James D. "Jim" Schroeder, age 72 of Anoka, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, at home on Wednesday, March 13, 2019.

Jim graduated from NEI Technical College, an education that served him well, as he liked to tinker and use his creativity to complete projects.  There really wasn't anything Jim couldn't fix; he considered this "therapy" time.  Jim had a wide variety of hobby-type interests; he enjoyed classic cars, especially his 1967 Dodge Dart RT, and it was no surprise that he enjoyed '50s and ''60s music.  As a longtime member of the National Rifle Association, Jim was interested in firearms, and he enjoyed photography, especially taking wedding photographs.

Jim's faith was very important to him.  He was an elder of Mount Olive Lutheran Church in Anoka, where he served as an usher and communion minister.  Although Jim considered himself an introvert, he had the ability to strike up a conversation with anyone, anywhere (even in line at the grocery store.)  Jim enjoyed spirited discussions about history and politics.  Most of all, Jim loved his family and time spent together at the family farm in Tolley, ND and at the cabin on Sugar Lake.

In addition to his parents, Louis and Ruth (Heller) Schroeder, Jim was preceded in death by his cousin, Susie Wilson; and uncle, Al Jensen.  He is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Annette; children, Sheila (Neil) Berkeley, Jennifer (Joe) Schneider, and Jim (Brienne); grandchildren, Chloe, Sophia, Aria, Isla, Lillienne, Rhys, Sterling, Natasha (Leo), and Cheyanne; brothers, Jule (Sharon), John (Stephanie), and Jerry (Erlinda); sister, Jeanie (Bert) Zeltinger; also many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 21, 2019 at Mount Olive Lutheran Church, 700 Western Street, Anoka.  Visitation one hour prior to the service at church (10:00 - 11:00 a.m.)  Interment will take place in Forest Hill Cemetery, Anoka.

Arrangements entrusted to Thurston-Lindberg Funeral Home of Anoka (763) 421-0220