James Mathew Morphew

James Mathew Morphew, age 93, caught the westbound and was reunited with his beloved soulmate Kay on Saturday, December 10, 2022. Survived by his daughters Donna (Brad), Karen (Ken) and Ann (Chris); 7 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by his wife of nearly 62 years, Kay; parents Frank and Cornelia Morphew; sister Joyce (Carl) Tangen; and son-in-law Brad Schmidt.

James, lovingly referred to by his hobo moniker Minnesota Jim, lived a full life filled with many adventures. Leaving his childhood home at the age of 16 in 1945, he began his travels as a hobo, working odd jobs and hopping trains to get around. In all, his work took him to at least 28 different states before he came back to his hometown. Jim joined the United States Air Force in November 1947 and worked as a photographer. He was stationed at the Lowry Air Force Base in Denver, Colorado and received an honorable discharge in August 1948. Jim married the love of his life, Kay, on August 14, 1954. He and his wife Kay raised their 3 daughters in a home that Jim built with his own two hands. Jim was self-employed as a RV building and maintenance technician for 32 years, before officially retiring and closing his shop in 1996. In 2012, Jim vied for and won the coveted title of National King of the Hobos at the annual hobo festival in Britt, Iowa, a celebration he rarely missed attending each year. It was an honor he proudly accepted. After winning his title, he was interviewed about his life riding the rails by the Pioneer Press, Buzzfeed, Vice News and the Smithsonian Magazine.

As an avid historian, Jim spent many years volunteering with the Oakdale Historical Society. One of his many great projects was preserving and restoring the Eder Schoolhouse. Jim journaled daily for many years and wrote many stories, poems, and other various prose. He spent many years researching the family genealogy dating back many decades and reconnecting with long lost relatives on numerous occasions.

The family would like to thank his wonderful care team with M Health Fairview and St. Croix Hospice for helping us bring Jim home to pass in comfort. A special thanks to his oncologist Dr. James Shanks, MD. Jim had a special fondness for Dr. Shanks and his team, and they took great care of him over the years, especially in his final days.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, December 22, 2022 at Wulff Funeral Home in Woodbury, MN from 9:30-10:30 am, followed immediately by a funeral service. Burial will be at Guardian Angels Cemetery in Oakdale, MN at 1:00 pm.

"I'll see you all this comin' fall,

In the big Rock Candy Mountain"