James Brian Fleming

Jim was born in Aurora, IL and moved to Maplewood, MN in 1970 with his family. He was raised primarily in South Maplewood, MN and eventually owned a home in Oakdale, MN. After graduating from Hill Murray High School in 1978, he attended Inver Hills Community College. His first job was at Perkins restaurant in St. Paul. He also took the civil service exams for employment at the U.S. Postal Service. He worked at The St. Paul Companies Woodbury, MN. He then went on to work in light manufacturing in the photo finishing industry for a commercial lab. Jim’s final career choice was working for UnitedHealth Group in the Optum business line, right up until his passing.

As a child, Jim collected butterflies, built tree forts, and got into some ‘trouble’ with his brother, Chris. He loved to shoot up model rockets with Tim at Battle Creek Park when they were young, and he also loved to shoot up model rockets as an adult with his nephews. How ironic that he passed away on the same day that NASA sent up the Artemis II rocket and crew of astronauts to circle the moon and return to earth for the first time in 50+ years!

Jim never married but he was a beloved son, brother, godfather, uncle and great uncle. Jim was the ‘photojournalist’ of the family. Jim always took photos and videos at all the family events and get-togethers. Working in the photo finishing industry saved him a lot of money, and then when digital came to be, he was all in. Everyone appreciates the images of family that he has taken and shared over all the years! Jim led a private and simple life. He loved and enjoyed his family immensely and they loved him back with all their hearts. When the nephews were young, after Easter Brunch he would pile some of his nephews into his car and try to find a store that was open, so they could buy even more treats! He also took some of his nephews on train rides and trips to the aquarium in Chicago.

Jim’s biggest love is for Jesus Christ. He spent a lot of time reading the Bible and would engage in conversation about his faith. And because of his Faith in Jesus Christ, Jim knew where his true home was. The Lord welcomed him at the gates of Heaven on April 1st and he met Jesus face-to-face. Those of us who are saved will see Jim again in Heaven, where he will have a new body free from cancer and free from sin. Don’t feel sad for Jim’s passing, rejoice in his everlasting life.

Jim is survived by his parents, Jim Sr and Karen Fleming, siblings, Chris (Debbie) Fleming, Annita (Dale) Bending, Tim (Jenny) Fleming along with 6 nephews, 1 niece, 3 great nephews and 3 great nieces.

Visitation will be held at Wulff Woodbury Funeral Home, 2195 Woodlane Drive, Woodbury, MN 55125, US, on April 13, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, followed by a Celebration of Life at Wulff Woodbury Funeral Home, 2195 Woodlane Drive, Woodbury, MN 55125, US, on April 13, 2026, at 11:00 am.

A Committal Service will take place at St. Mary's Cemetery South, 2860 Helen St., North Saint Paul, MN 55109, US, on April 13, 2026, at 2:15 pm.