James "Jim" Abts

James “Jim” E. Abts, age 86, of Cottage Grove, passed away on January 31, 2020.

He worked for Ramsey County Dept. of Human Services for 35 years.

Jim loved kids, not only his own children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, but also neighborhood kids.

He was a giving man, and it showed in his wonderful sense of humor, sharing his knowledge of history and serving his family, friends, church and organizations like Habitat for Humanity and the Dorothy Day Center.

Jim’s hobbies included candy making which he donated delicious chocolates to many people over the years. He also enjoyed working in the yard and kept it in park-like condition.

He is preceded in death by his brothers, Marvin and Jerome.

Jim is survived by his wife of 60 years, Dorothy; children, Kathy (Doug Peters) Abts, Deb (Peter) Lane, Jim Jr. (Joy) and Barb (Chris) Johnson; grandchildren, Ian, Maggie, Rachel, Colleen (Jason), Evan (Erin), Nina, Molly, Aidan, Emily Marcus, Raelea and Zoe; great-grandchildren, Calvin, Scarlett and Jade; sisters, Elaine, Rosie and Rheda; brother, Jake; many nieces and nephews.

Visitation 4-7 PM, Wednesday, February 5, 2020 at Kok Funeral Home, 7676 80 ^th St S., Cottage Grove, MN 55016. Memorial Service 10:30 AM, Thursday, February 6, 2020 at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 920 Holley Ave,  St Paul Park, MN 55071 with visitation beginning at 9:30 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to, Our Lady of Peace Hospice.