James “Jim” Huls, 72, Avon

July 11, 1944 - November 12, 2016

Mass of Christian Burial celebrating the life of James “Jim” Huls, 72, Avon, will be at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, November 16, 2016 at St. Columbkille Catholic Church in St. Wendel. Fr. Eugene Doyle will officiate and burial will follow in the parish cemetery with military honors. Jim died unexpectedly Saturday afternoon at the St. Cloud Hospital. There will be a visitation from 4:00-8:00 PM on Tuesday, November 15, 2016 at the Miller-Carlin Funeral Home in Holdingford and again after 10:00 AM Wednesday morning at St. Columbkille Catholic Church in St. Wendel. Parish prayers will be at 7:30 PM Tuesday evening at the funeral home.

Jim was born on July 11, 1944 to Arthur and Sophie (Skaj) Huls at home in St. Wendel and was raised alongside his sister and four brothers. After graduating from Holdingford High School, he entered the US Army and proudly served his country during the Vietnam War. Jim liked golfing and sports in general. He played baseball and softball when he was younger and enjoyed watching professional football and baseball on TV. Jim even rode a bull in a rodeo after being dared to do it! He was a nature-lover who loved living on the lake. Jim liked to watch the ducks and squirrels on the lake, enjoyed the scenery from his living room window, and liked hosting the family's 4th of July parties. He enjoyed fishing and hunting, especially deer hunting and using his crossbow. He also liked to play cards, especially poker, and enjoyed his Wednesday afternoon poker games with his retired buddies. Jim worked as a carpenter his entire adult life and often served as a superintendent. He started at Brutger Builders and later worked for Winkelman Builders, Shingobee Builders, and also for himself for 10 years. Jim was a gruff teddy bear with a heart of gold. He would "say it like it is" but had a generous spirit and would help any and everyone. Jim was very dedicated to his parents and loyal to his country. He is a member of St. Columbkille Church and the Holdingford American Legion.
Jim is survived by his siblings Judy (Lenny) Heitzman, Avon; David (Darlene) Huls, Avon; William "Bill" (Marcia) Huls, Cold Spring; Mel (Roxie) Huls, Cold Spring; Glen (Jan) Huls, Avon; many nieces and nephews as well as other family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Arthur in 1988 and Sophie in 2004, his niece Tina Huls, and his special friend Jill Walker.