James Charles Harrington

James Harrington, 86, passed away suddenly yet peacefully on February 14, 2025, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Born on August 4, 1938, in Minneapolis, he spent his adult life in Roseville and then later in Cambridge, MN, the community that his family has inhabited since the 1880’s.

Jim grew up in Minneapolis but cherished a year or so in Cambridge and attending “country” school roughly at 8 years of age. He was a proud graduate of South High School in Minneapolis, class of 1956. He was on the diving team and played the saxophone in the school band. He was also in a band outside of school. He enjoyed cars. Not only driving but he was always diligent with their upkeep and appearance. As a teenager he was part of a car club with family and friends called the “cam stampers”.

Shortly after high school, he was drafted into the U.S. Army in the early 1960s and served in Europe, primarily stationed in Germany. Following his honorable discharge, Jim embarked on a long and fulfilling career at Honeywell, where he worked diligently for 33 years. He took great pride in his work and maintained friendships with former colleagues long after retirement, often reconnecting over rounds of golf.

An independent and hardworking man, Jim found joy in maintaining his home and yard. Whether mowing and trimming in the summer or plowing snow in the winter, he was always busy ensuring everything was well-kept. His passion for golf was unmatched—so much so that whenever he faced an illness, his first question to the doctor was whether he could still play. A skilled golfer and natural teacher of the game, Jim had an incredible ability to analyze a player's stance and swing to offer precise advice for improvement. His dedication to the sport led him to achieve two holes-in-one—one within the last year and another about two decades ago in Roseville.

During the last 8 years of his life he enjoyed attending a memorial golf game dedicated to his son. The friends of Jim’s son David started the tradition a year after he died from cancer. This became an important time for him to connect and receive support. The “Harry Open” was a great source of joy and pride for Jim.

Beyond golf, Jim had a love for outdoor activities. In his younger years, he enjoyed four-wheeling, snowmobiling, swimming, water skiing, snow skiing, and bicycling. He cherished time spent with family during holidays and trips to the cabin in Wisconsin. He also took great care of the family farm in Cambridge.

Jim is survived by his daughter Molly Harrington; his significant other Liz; Liz’s two sons; and her two granddaughters who lovingly called him, Grandpa Jim. He is also remembered by many special nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles “Pat” Harrington and Gertrude (Heidman) Harrington; his brother, Jerry Harrington; his wife, Judith Mary (Olin) Harrington; his son, David Olin Harrington; as well as a niece, Kristen Olin Schifsky and nephews, Tod Harrington and Scott Harrington.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, March 7, 2025, at Sunset Memorial Cemetery in Minneapolis (2250 St Anthony Blvd., Minneapolis, MN 55418). Visitation will begin at 12:00 PM followed by the service at 1:00 PM. Burial will take place at 2:00 PM.

Jim’s memory will live on through those who knew him best—on the golf course, at family gatherings, and in every lesson he shared along the way.