James (Jim) John Janousek was born on August 7, 1937 in St. Paul, Minnesota. He attended Johnson High School in the east side of St. Paul. After high school, he took a bus and headed north without even a driver’s license to start a job as a forest guard in Big Falls, Minnesota. Shortly after, he served in the Army for two years. When he was done serving, he came back to northern Minnesota and worked in forestry for 37 years and proudly ended his career as district forester in International Falls, Minnesota.
One day, during his career, Ms. Andrea Grant came into the DNR for a personal burning permit. Jim’s co-workers told Jim he needed to go check on the fire that Andrea had obtained the permit for; Jim visited often. He married Ms. Grant on October 4, 1970 in Wayzata, Minnesota. They made a beautiful home together on Rainy Lake and they were married for 39 years.
Jim had a passion for the outdoors. He took forestry, hunting, and fishing very seriously. During his forestry career, he was respected for his work ethic and was a great mentor to many. One of his greatest accomplishments was overseeing the reforestation of thousands of acres of state land.
When he hunted, he would go into the woods without any modern amenities and stay for weeks out in the elements. Even in the winter, it was not surprising if he slept outside. He was tough. A fishing highlight was catching fish for the movie, Grumpy Old Men. Jim had caught crappy and sent them to where the movie was being filmed. Where he caught the fish was a secret, where he caught any fish was a secret, again, he was serious fisherman.
One love that he shared with his wife was their tree farm on the Big Fork River. The tree farm represented a passion for nature and forestry. They created an enchanting area with several different species of trees. On the property was a log cabin they built together by hand. It was a lot of work; the farm was their pride and joy. After Andrea had passed, it was important to Jim that the vision of the farm was held. Jim and his good friend, Buzz Mannausau, worked many hours planting trees and clearing trails to help keep the farm beautiful.
After retirement, Jim and Andrea enjoyed traveling. They went to Alaska, took Caribbean cruises, and saw several other wonderful places. Jim and Andrea worked hard all their lives, it was important to them to have new experiences and enjoy their non-working years. Of course, Alaska was a highlight for both of them.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents: Warren and Mary Janousek, wife, Andrea Janousek, and brother Jerry Janousek. He is survived by his sisters-in-law, Marlene Janousek and Gretchen Palm, nieces Julie, Andrea, Chris, and nephew Greg. In addition, he is survived by extended family and many friends.
A funeral was held on Thursday, March 10, 2022 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church at 2 p.m. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the funeral at the church; a luncheon will follow. A private burial at Hillside Cemetery in Angora, Minnesota, will be determined at later date by the family.
Condolences may be left on www.greenlarsen.com
Arrangements are with Green-Larsen Mortuary, Inc.
