James Lee Gillespie
Jim Gillespie, age 91 of Graceville, Minnesota, formerly of Chokio, MN, passed away Monday, September 15, 2025, at the Grace Home in Graceville, MN.
Visitation for Jim Gillespie will be Sunday, September 21, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at the Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris, MN.
Visitation will continue from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. on Monday, September 22, 2025, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Chokio, MN.
Memorial services for James Gillespie will be at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, September 22, 2025, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Chokio, MN, with Reverend David Tonn officiating.
Burial will be in the Chokio Lutheran Cemetery, rural Chokio, MN.
James L. Gillespie born November 1, 1933 to Donald O. Gillespie and Mabel A. (Spittle) Gillespie on farms site south of Chokio. He grew up in the Chokio area. He was baptized July7, 1940 at Zion Lutheran in Chokio. Was confirmed June 19, 1949. He attended grade school District 52 then 8th grade and graduated from Chokio High School on May 28, 1952. Jim farmed with dad and brother (Coke), after his dad’s death he farmed with his brother (Coke). They did custom corn shelling, baling, and raised several cattle and hogs. Jim was a self-taught machinist. He worked for Jo-Ko manufacturing for several years. Jim was a Jack of all trades. He could fix just about anything
Jim was very active in the Chokio Sportsman Club, Pheasant Forever, Ducks Unlimited, Save a Lake, Graceville Gun Club, NRA Life member, and was a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church.
Jim enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing cards, going to auction sales, trapping, and having morning coffee at Ordell’s with the coffee boys, and enjoying visits with family.
He is survived by his brothers and sisters: Harvey (Nancy) Gillespie, Glen (Kahla) Gillespie, Donna Eystad, and Lois (Bernie) Van Eps; his sister-in-law’s: Doris Gillespie, Marilyn Gillespie, and Lynn Gillespie; and his God children: Kimberly (Gillespie) Holt, Wayne Gillespie, and Stacey (Gillespie) Spraque; and his many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was Preceded in death by his parents Donald and Mabel Gillespie; his brothers: Allen Gillespie, Paul Gillespie, Keith Gillespie, and Gary Gillespie; his brother-in-law: Duke Eystad; and his grandparents, uncles, and aunts.
Arrangements are with the Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris, MN.
