James Ross

James “Jim” Robert Ross, age 76 of Cottage Grove, passed away surrounded by family on September 12^th, 2023.

Funeral service will be 11 am, Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023, at Newport United Methodist Church, 1596 11th Avenue, Newport with visitation one hour prior.  Interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis. 

Jim was born in St. Paul, MN to Hillard and Joyce Ross on November 4^th, 1946.  He graduated from Park High School in 1964.  In 1968, he received his Bachelor of Science degree in liberal arts from the University of Wisconsin – River Falls.  Jim enlisted in the US Army in 1968 and served in Vietnam for eleven months.  He was a Bronze Service Star recipient.  After his time in Vietnam, Jim went on to obtain his master’s degree in education in 1974 also at the University of Wisconsin – River Falls.

Jim was united in marriage to his loving wife, Martha (Kemp) on April 13^th, 1974.  He worked for the State of Minnesota with the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation as a counselor supervisor for over 30 years.  Jim enjoyed a variety of amazing music and passed that love down to his children.  During retirement, Jim enjoyed going to lunch with former co-workers and attending his grandchildren’s fastpitch softball, baseball, hockey, and wrestling events as well as their band concerts.  He loved his cars, reading and watching the History Channel.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Hillard and Joyce Ross; siblings, Jeannette and Barbara Ross; brother-in-law, Julian Uravich, and sister-in-law, Judy Kemp.  He is survived by his wife, Martha (Kemp); two children, Lisa Ross and Jon (Stacy) Ross; three grandchildren, Collin Kabacinski, Amelia Ross and Evan Ross; sisters Lucy (Allan) Pietsch and Fran Ross; brother-in-law, Leslie Kemp; sister-in-law, Carol Uravich; many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

On behalf of the Ross family, we would like to express our special thanks and appreciation to Health Partners Hospice for the care provided.

LIVESTREAM INFORMATION:  For those who would like to participate in James' service via livestream, you can watch the service on Thursday, September 21, 2023, 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.