James L. McDermott, a gift of God born into this world 83 years ago on April 19, 1933. He passed away on March 3, 2017. Jim was baptized, confirmed, and married at Wesley Methodist Church. In 1972, he became a member of North Presbyterian Church in North Saint Paul, where he was ordained a deacon and served faithfully. In 1994, Jim became a member of First United Methodist Church in Lindstrom and served as a Trustee, sang in the choir, and enjoyed coffee and rolls with Gary and Pastor Dan while being substitute secretary. “Mac” worked for NSP for 43 years as a lineman and foreman. He enjoyed his job and worked very long hours during many storms and tornadoes. Jim belonged to the Chisago Lakes Lions Club and was a 20-year member. He was treasurer for many activities, selling tickets to various fundraising events. He was a member of the Chisago City American Legion Post 272, a Veteran from 1953-55, and volunteered at Second Harvest Heartland and Meals-on-Wheels. Jim loved hockey and seeing his boys play when they were young. He was involved in the youth hockey program, flooding ice rinks at 4:00 a.m. for the teams to be able to play that day and also helped coach. He cheered for the Minnesota North Stars, and more recently the Wild. Sunday football was always on the schedule. Jim liked a good game of cards – he loved to play pinochle, cribbage and 500 at work and at home. He also enjoyed family activities at the lake. He patiently drove the speedboat while the kids learned to waterski. He and the boys went on many fishing trips together, primarily to Bemidji and Brainerd. A favorite weekly event was lunch with friends at Arby’s on Tuesday. Jim is preceded in death by his parents Thomas and Goldie McDermott; brother and sister-in-law Robert and Joni McDermott, brother-in-law Allen Chinnock, and son-in-law Doug Cobb. He is survived by wife of 61 years, Patricia (Chinnock) McDermott; children Terri Cobb, Kevin (Teresa), Cheryl, Mick (Lynn), and Steve (Tina); 8 grandchildren Rick (Deni) Farrow, Bryce (Sarah), Hannah, Laura, Libby, Kelsee, Maddie, and Thomas; 3 great grandchildren Lilly, Ben and Samuel Farrow; Robinson family cousins, and many other relatives and friends. Special thanks to Fairview Hospice for their care.