James C. "Jim" Long, age 84, passed away peacefully of natural causes with his family surrounded around him on Wednesday, September 18, 2019 at the Homestead of Anoka.

Jim was born on March 30, 1935 in Montevideo, MN to Wendell and Violet (Meyenburg) Long.  Following graduation from Detroit Lakes High School in 1954, Jim enlisted in the United States Army where he served as a Paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division until receiving his Honorable Discharge in 1957.  He furthered his education at St. Cloud State University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Education.  Jim spent 35 years teaching Business at Anoka High School, retiring in 1993.  He also taught Driver's Education at Anoka High School for many years.

Jim cherished the time spent with family, especially fishing, boating, tubing, and snowmobiling at the cabin on Wilkins Lake.  He loved being on the lake and could often be found riding around on the pontoon.  He and Karen also enjoyed traveling, especially to Florida.  Jim's family always looked forward to eating his homemade blueberry pancakes and famous Coon Rapids hot dish.  The recipe is still yet to be found!

Jim was especially proud of all his children and their individual accomplishments.  He took every opportunity to share that pride in his stories and conversations.  Jim's electric blue eyes and twinkling smile lit up every room he entered, and his jovial laugh would brighten and lift our hearts.

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his brother, Robert.  He is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Karen; children, Erich (Teri), Amy (Justin) Meyer, Stephen (Karen), and Andrea Long; 14 grandchildren; brothers, John (Joan) and Dean (Barb); also many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 22 , 2019 at St. Stephen's Catholic Church, 525 Jackson Street, Anoka.  Visitation 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Monday, October 21 , 2019 at Thurston-Lindberg Funeral Home, 2005 Branch Avenue, Anoka, and one hour prior to Mass at church on Tuesday (10:00 - 11:00 a.m.)  Interment with Full Military Honors will take place at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis.

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