James Robidou

Jim was born November 11, 1916 to Bill and Ora Shepard Robidou in St Paul's west-end where he grew up with his two brothers, Harold and Bill. As a depression-era kid, Jim swam in the Mississippi, jumped freight trains and played street baseball. He reminisced about always wanting a new bike, ice-skates and a baseball mitt, none of which he ever got. He never forgot where he came from, and throughout his life was a faithful Democrat. Jim and Betty were married in 1939 and moved to Highland Park. Daughter Barb was born in 1946, the forefront of the baby boomer generation. Jim was a 45-year employee of Schmidts' Brewery retiring to a more carefree life in 1978. Before and after retirement, Jim and Betty enjoyed spending time at their lake cabin near Danbury, Wisconsin. They spoiled their grandchildren and traveled. There were annual trips to Phoenix and Fort Myers to cheer on the Twins at spring training. And there were games of golf, bridge and "500." Jim and Betty traded in home ownership for an apartment lifestyle ten years ago when they moved to West St. Paul, but things were never the same for Jim after Betty passed away in 2006. Jim spent 2 years on a US Navy minesweeper during World War II, island-hopping in the Pacific. He would tell about shooting down a Kamikaze airplane and thinking he had died when the plane passed by so closely that it knocked unconscious everyone in the gun turret. Jim was a true gentleman, humble and kind. His sense of humor was with him until the end, as was his love of an afternoon cocktail. He was especially devoted to his grandchildren, as they were to him. He was also delighted by his great-grandchildren, and was never ruffled by the chaos and noise at family parties. Although the last few years presented health challenges, Jim's spirit remained strong and optimistic. As he said recently "I have lived a good, long life," and "I'm not a sissy!" Amen. Robidou, James R. Beloved Father, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather, Age 96 of St. Paul, West St Paul, and most recently of Edina, died peacefully after a short illness on August 24, 2013. Preceded in death by wife, Betty, parents William and Ora (Shepard) Robidou; brother Harold. Survived by daughter Barb (Mike) Woolsey, grandchildren Katie (Kevin) Anderson, Betsy (Matt) Thomson, and Jim (Hannah) Woolsey; great-grandchildren Taylor, Reese, Ella and Alden; brother Bill Robidou and sister-in-law Patricia Smith; and many friends, nieces and nephews. Visitation Wednesday 10-11am at Kessler & Maguire Funeral Home (640 W.7th, 651-224-2341) Funeral Service at 11am. Private interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Memorials preferred to the St Paul Foundation, 55 5th St E, Suite 600, St Paul, MN 55101 or donor's choice.

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Previous Events

Visitation
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Visitation
Wednesday, August 28, 2013

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