James Bristol

James Howard Bristol, age 89, of Cottage Grove

James Howard Bristol was born February 14, 1933 in Sioux City, Iowa son of Howard and Florence (nee Guiney) Bristol. He was ushered peacefully into heaven July 25, 2022 surrounded by his wife and family.

His early years were tough since he lost his twin brother Dickie when he was three and his younger sister Katharine when he was 14. His friends called him “Buck”. He loved playing football in high school and college, and getting into trouble with his best friend Alan James. When Jim’s dad needed help with the hardware store in Madelia, he left Gustavus Adolphus College for a semester to work at the store. He finished up his teaching degree at Mankato State College. Later earned his masters in Industrial Education at Bemidji State.

Jim fell in love with his high school sweetheart Marie Louise Snyder of Madelia, Minnesota, announced their engagement and married August 28, 1955. Together they raised five children. They were married for 67 years.

“Mr. B” was a gifted teacher that inspired students to be their best for over 30 years in Minnesota. He taught high school shop, electronics, and introduction to aviation at South Saint Paul High School. He wrote most of his curriculum that was used for many years. He looked forward to past students dropping in to say hi, help put up a Ham Radio antenna, or just shoot the breeze. He couldn’t help but to pass on his passion for learning, flying, Amateur Radio, and “Mr. Fix It” skills to his students and children.

Jim was passionate about his relationship with Jesus. He was a servant leader in his local church for as long as we can remember, taught bible studies in the hangar at Fleming Field, and shared his strong faith. A man after God’s own heart. We will miss him dearly, but know that his worries and pain are gone and he is in the presence of his maker, lover of his soul.

He is survived by his wife, Marie; children, Kathy, Guy (Rhonda), Brian (Cheryl), Steven (Alison), and Jennifer (Steve) Moore; 13 grandchildren; and six great grandchildren.

Celebration of Life 11 AM with visitation beginning at 10 AM, Wednesday, August 3, 2022 at Kok Funeral Home, 7676 80th St. S., Cottage Grove, Minnesota 55016.

For those who may wish to make a memorial gift in lieu of flowers, the family has chosen: Cure Alzheimer’s Fund curealz.org or Mission Aviation Fellowship maf.org

LIVESTREAM INFORMATION:  For those who would like to participate in Jim's service via livestream, you can watch the service on Wednesday, August 3, 2022 at 11:00 am.  It can be viewed by scrolling to the bottom of this page, and "CLICK PLAY" to begin.  Please leave a message of support on our Tribute Wall to let the family know you were able to watch the service.  If you are having troubles with the Livestream, the service will be available to watch later in the day.