James McGillivray

James G. McGillivray, age 70 of Staples, was born to John and Irene (Olmschenk) McGillivray on December 9, 1933 at Staples. Jim passed away Monday, November 8, at St. Cloud Hospital at the age of 70 years. Jim was a truck driver. He lived in the Staples area for much of his life as well as living in Minneapolis for a few years. Jim had many talents. He could draw almost anything free hand. He loved drawing horses and horses were the love of his life. Jim loved music and played a number of instruments including steel guitar, harmonica, keyboard, piano, and organ. Jim also loved to sing and wrote his own songs. He wrote a song for his doctor and the nursing staff after his stay in the hospital. Jim would wake up in the middle of the night and write a song. His family will fondly remember his musical talents and the enjoyable times they had listening to him. Jim loved horses. Silver was his first horse and he paid $20 for her when he was in the fourth grade. He had many horses after Silver, but Chars Shado (purebred Arabian) was his pride and joy. Jim taught Shado many tricks. Jim won many ribbons showing his horses (supreme Arabians). He also received an award for his many contributions at shows. Jim trained, boarded, and bred a number of horses near and far. In the last few years, Jim started trail riding with friends. He really enjoyed spending time with friends whether it was in the coffee shops or on the trail. He will be sadly missed by family and friends. Jim is preceded in death by his parents, John and Irene; sisters, Mary Beth and Renee; and brothers, Kenny and Roger. He is survived by his sisters, Elaine Schmidt of Buffalo, Jeanne Strunk of Princeton, Pat Reichel of Dilsworth, Jan McGillivray of Elk River, and Linda McGillivray of Miles City, MT; and brothers, Gary of Anoka and Russ of Milaca. Services were held Saturday (Nov. 13) at 2:00 PM at the Johnson Memorial Home in Wadena with Gregory Safreed officiating. Interment was in the Evergreen Hill Cemetery in Staples. Honorary pallbearers were Tom McGillivray, Mike McGillivray, Chris McGillivray, Randy Strunk, Rick Strunk, and Brian McGillivray. Casketbearers were Bob Reichel III, Jon Reichel, Joel Reichel, Chad McGillivray, Terry Strunk, and Tom Strunk.

James McGillivray

December 9, 1933 - November 8, 2004