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It is with deep sadness the family of Hon. Robert A. (Jim) Randall Jr., age 83, announces his unexpected passing in Lindstrom, Minnesota on Friday, August 9, 2024. Randall was born in Little Falls, Minnesota on August 31, 1940. He attended St. John’s Preparatory School and St. John’s University in Collegeville, eventually receiving his undergraduate degree from Gonzaga University in 1962. While in college, he enlisted in the Marine Corps where he earned the rank of Second Lieutenant. In 1967, he graduated from the University of Minnesota Law School and moved to Hibbing, Minnesota with his family where he practiced criminal defense law in private practice and as a public defender for 17 years. During his time as a public defender, he connected with Native Americans across the Iron Range and defended them against the power of the state.

Judge Randall was appointed to the Minnesota Court of Appeals by Governor Rudy Perpich on April 1, 1984. He was one of the original 12 judges appointed to the court. He served full-time until 2008, and nine years as a retired judge. Randall’s tenure included working to protect the rights of criminal defendants and authoring two of the longest opinions in the history of the Court of Appeals. Randall’s passion was protecting the underserved across the state of Minnesota. 

Over the years, he attended sweat lodges, learned, and respected the Native American culture. He also worked together with Catholic Charities’ Dorothy Day Center by founding a Memorial Day cookout that has been the Minnesota judicial branch’s annual tradition for the last 21 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, R.A. (Tony) Randall Sr. and Marie Schmid Randall, stepmother  Luverne “Mickey” (Powers) Randall of Little Falls, and his wife Monica (Eichten) Randall of Lindstrom. 

“The Judge,” as he was known to many, will be deeply missed by his sisters Gertrude “Googs” (Pat), Nora, and Mary Frances, his children Tony (Jessica), James and Kathleen, along with his grandchildren Nicholas (Savannah), Gabrielle, Amelia, Monique, and Vida. 

A visitation will take place at Grandstrand Funeral Home in Lindstrom, Minnesota on Friday, August 23 from 4-8 pm. Mass of Christian burial will be at the Church of St. Joseph, in Taylors Falls, Minnesota on Saturday, August 24 at 11 am with visitation one hour prior.  Interment at Kahbakong Cemetery in Taylors Falls.  

In lieu of gifts, the family requests donations to Catholic Charities - Dorothy Day Center in St. Paul, Minnesota, a charity near and dear to Jim.  Arrangements are with Grandstrand Funeral Home in Lindstrom. Condolences may be expressed online at www.grandstrandfh. com. 

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