Jim Barnum

Jim Barnum, 71, passed away July 13, 2018, in his home in Moorhead, MN, with his wife by his side, under hospice care. Jim was born in Breckenridge, MN, the oldest of six, to Cyril and Sybil (Hardie) Barnum in 1967. He raised three children: Tami, Shannon and Tori.
Jim was a hard worker and spent his entire life selling anything he could get his hands on. He was truly rare: a salesman with a heart of gold. He could sell anything to anyone and he did. He loved his MLM businesses and his past jobs of selling steel siding and steel buildings. But most of all he dedicated his life, his love and his passion to his entire family. He would give his last dime, the shirt off his back and even his life for his loved ones.
Jim's life was full, he enjoyed so many things, but as long as he was spending time with family he could be doing anything and would be having the time of his life. To say he loved weightlifting would be an understatement; he spent a majority of his life in the gym. He loved fishing and even loved it more if he caught anything. He enjoyed playing casino slots and didn't mind losing as much as he hated leaving. He loved watching the Twins and the Vikings build us up and disappoint us every year. He loved playing guitar around a campfire with his brothers,
enjoyed singing karaoke with his kids and, over the last 20 years, his main priority has been his grandchildren's sports or events.
Jim's lifelong struggle with medical problems started with his leg issues which led to multiple surgeries and eventually the loss of his leg in 2001. From that time he faced new issues from years of antibiotics which caused heart and kidney problems that finally proved to be more than his body could handle.
This man was his family's biggest cheerleader in sports, business and life. Rain, shine, snow or his own personal suffering never stopped this man from making sure each and every one of his family members felt extra special in his eyes.
Jim was able to spend his last few days creating beautiful memories for family. He will be missed dearly by so many. He was known so well for his humor and his "HUGE ARMS", even towards the end, in his mind and attitude, he remained the strong man he always was. His body was simply no longer able to keep up with his mind. As far as his humor, he held on to it right up to the end. He kept everyone rolling with laughter multiple times during the toughest stretch of his passing.
He was an unselfish man that wanted nothing more than his family to have everything they could possibly dream of, for everyone he loved to be safe and feel protected and, most of all, that every family member would truly know how very much they were loved. He is an amazing example of what a husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, great-grandfather and a friend should be and he will be remembered for his generous spirit and a giving heart.
Shakespeare!
Jim is survived by his wife of 51 years, Lynne (Stoppler); daughters, Tami (Scott) Moen, Shannon (Jim) Christl; son, Tori (Traci) Barnum; eight precious grandchildren and step-grandchildren, Keah (Chris) Bunge, Cameron Nelson, Tim (Kendra) Jensen, Madison Moen, Mari (JJ) Regula, Sam Kjos, Mac and Jack Christl; and 2 great-grandchildren, CJ and Grayson Bunge; siblings, Lonny (Lorie), Pam Keenan, Jerry (Deb); and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Stan; his sister, Linda (Tom); and his niece, Lisa Marie.
Visitation will be from 5-7PM, with a prayer service at 7PM, Monday July 16, 2018 in Our Redeemer Lutheran Church located at 1000 14th St. S. in Moorhead. The funeral will be at 11AM Tuesday, July 17 at the church. Burial will be in Evergreen Memorial Cemetery in Moorhead on Friday at 11:30AM.
orhead.