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James Birkholz

James Robert Birkholz (Jim), age 72, of Shafer, MN passed away on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.

Jim was born to Wes and Betty Birkholz on July 7, 1954 in St Paul, MN. He graduated from Decatur High School in Decatur, AL in 1972. He graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in Soil Science in 1978. On July 30, 1988, he married Judy Erickson and was blessed with three children.

Jim was a soil scientist by trade and worked at the Ramsey Conservation District, the Minnesota Soil and Water Conservation Board (SWCD), and served as the first acting director of the Board of Soil and Water Resources. In 1990, Jim and Judy purchased a 71-acre farm in Franconia Township, which became Pleasant Valley Orchard. In 2003, Jim left his job at the State to farm full-time.

Jim was an active member of his community. He served on the Chisago County SWCD board for over 20 years. He spent time on the Franconia Township Board and volunteered at church. Jim was an outdoorsman and loved hunting and fishing. He enjoyed visiting breweries and was a member of a book club.

Jim is survived by his wife, Judy Erickson; children, Joe Birkholz (Emma Young), Amelia Birkholz, and Sam Birkholz; his mother Betty Birkholz, Tom (Carolyn) Birkholz, Theresa (Mike) Schantzen, Jayne (Don) Dullum, and Sue (Scott) Reed. He is preceded in death by his father; Wes Birkholz.

A funeral service will be held at Linwood Covenant Church in Linwood, Minnesota (6565 Viking Blvd NE) at 2 pm on Friday, September 11, 2026 with a visitation beginning two hours prior to the service.

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