James A. Tank

James "Jim" Tank, age 76 of Villard, died peacefully, Tuesday, September 24, 2019 at home. A Celebration of Jim's life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, September 30th at Glenwood Lutheran Church with Rev. Randy Chrissis officiating. Visitation will be Sunday from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at the Hoplin-Hitchcock Funeral Home in Glenwood and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church. Arrangements are with the Hoplin-Hitchcock Funeral Home in Glenwood. 

Loving husband, devoted father, doting grandpa, and treasured brother, uncle, and friend to many, James (Jim) Arnold Tank, age 76 of Villard passed away peacefully in his home on Tuesday, September 24th with his beloved wife cuddled close by his side.  Jim was born on June 2nd, 1943 in Glenwood, MN to Arnold and Bonnie (Graves) Tank.

To say Jim was quite the character is an understatement.  He was many characters, held many names (all badges of honor) and filled many roles in his storied life.  This is just a glimpse of his story…

Jim graduated from Villard High School in 1961 followed by Jamestown College where he received a Teaching Degree.  He taught physical and special education in Mitchell, SD.  He married his high school sweetheart on October 8, 1966.  Jim served as a Rifleman in the United States Army National Guard from 1966-1973.  Following the birth of their second child they moved back home and together they built a life and raised their two children near Lake Amelia, where Jim ran the family business Villard Implement / Tanks TV & Appliance until 2001.  As a man who could never sit still, he spent the first several years of his ‘retirement’ working in construction.

His hobbies included hunting, fishing, woodworking, restoring vehicles and fixing anything he could get his hands on.  If a tool didn’t exist, he would make it. Jim excelled at growing a garden, meticulously organizing his garage, eradicating weeds from his yard, outsmarting gophers, catnapping, playing guitar and piano and had mastered the art of putzing.  He was a strong patriarch of his family, a good friend to all, consummate flirt, gracious gentlemen, and dedicated his life to making people happy.  He loved time spent with family and was always cooking or grilling as if he were feeding a small army.  He always had a story to tell and always wanted to listen to yours.  He was simply one that you always looked forward to seeing.  Jim took fashion cues from no one.  His signature looks were all his: a fruit of the loom tee/sweatshirt with the sleeves torn off, short shorts worn above the navel, or his black ‘dressy’ sweatpants paired with a nappy tropical shirt.  He was not only generous in thought, word and deed, but also cologne.  One hug or handshake from him would leave the wonderful linger of Old Spice with you all day.

Jim found joy in the ordinary and extraordinary. He loved morning coffee whilst waving on the school bus, constantly working on projects, riding motorcycle, all seasons outdoors (especially fall), fishing & casino trips with friends, but mostly, being a full-time grandpa by supporting, teaching, and cheering on his grandkids every step of the way.  He valued most the time spent with family and causing just a bit of trouble for his beloved Grammy (always with a wink and a smile).  He could be a mischief maker at times and he knew how to make the best memories with the grandkids.  Bapa was someone the kids could call for anything, always available for them.  He was everyone’s best friend especially his son, Jason.  Always fun to be around, he loved to laugh and entertain.  He kept all of us young at heart.  He was a great teacher and father figure to many.  And always selfless and kind, he loved most his role as Dad(dy) and Bapa/Bata/Bapee. It was his calling in life.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife and the love of his life, Patricia (Johnson); his adored daughter Kristin (Brian) Moody,  his son, Jason (Karin) Tank; his seven precious grandchildren, Morgan (19), Aiden (17), Lindsay (16), Maeson (14), Brianna (14), Rylan (9) and Logan (8); sister, Jan Strauss, brother, David (Nancy) Tank; cousins, many nephews and nieces, neighbors and so many dear friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents.

Bapa will be remembered by his ever-present smile, happy-go-lucky personality, eagerness to serve others, vibrant sense of humor, and his loyalty, love, and generosity.  Although we will miss him, his smile, his gentle blue eyes, his pranks, his love…we take consolation in the good feelings of so many happy memories.

The family would like to give special thanks to the wonderful doctors and nurses who provided invaluable care these past few months (Mayo Hospital, Coborn Cancer Center and Glacial Ridge Healthcare).  In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to the Glacial Ridge Hospice who took great care of and compassion for him during his last days.  Finally, the family asks that in honor of Jim, that you will do an unexpected and unsolicited act of kindness for someone to pay his memory forward.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.