James Paul Ditzig

April 25, 1938 – May 12, 2026

James (Jim) Ditzig, 88 of Coon Rapids, MN passed away after battling Dementia and Alzheimer’s. Born in Waukegan, IL and a longtime resident of Coon Rapids, MN, he was the beloved husband of Helen Virginia (Ginny) Ditzig. A beloved father to five children, grandfather of nine, and a great grandfather of three plus one honorary grandson.

Memorial service will be held on Friday, May 22nd at the Gearhart Funeral Home (11275 Foley Blvd. NW, Coon Rapids MN), 11:00 AM visitation and a 12:00 PM service followed by a reception.

He was born and raised in Waukegan as an only child. Jim graduated from Waukegan High School and was a member of ROTC. During his senior year of school, he started working at the Great Lakes Naval Base and then served in the Air Force as an air traffic controller. While stationed in Duluth, MN, he met Ginny. After his service was complete, they moved back to Illinois and went on to have five children: David, Denise (Bill Anderson), Diana (Wayne Wright), Dennis (Chris), Danah (Jamie Hagg). In 1974 he moved the family to Coon Rapids where he resided ever since.

Jim enjoyed life and shared his passions with everyone around him, especially his family. He loved driving and taking road trips. He taught two generations of family how to drive. He loved nature, wildlife, and fishing. His passion for the outdoors was contagious. Jim was a sports enthusiast, a true Vikings fan, and supporter of all his kids’ and grandkids’ sports and activities. He also loved great food and great music, especially Motown and Ray Charles. And if you were lucky, you got to dance with him. He could tear it up!

He made friends easily and always had a joke or story to tell. No matter the subject (high school football, Air Force memories, fishing, you name it), storytelling was his signature and a way he indoctrinated you to his inner circle.

Most of all, Jim loved his family. Always present, always helpful, always teaching, always supportive, always kind-natured. “No” wasn’t in his vocabulary. And seeing his kids and grandkids grow brought him pure joy.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents Hank & Ann and grandson Austin.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Our Lady of Peace Hospice & Home Health Care in St. Paul MN.