James John Povhe peacefully passed away May 26, 2016 with loving family and friends by his side. He was born in Ely December 23, 1950 to Mary (Zgonc) and Fred (Fritz) Povhe.
He worked at Minntac as a shovel runner and team leader from 1969 until 2004. After Minntac, having the most meticulously clean vehicles in town, he began Jim’s Car Wash and Detailing as a sideline which serviced almost every type of moving vehicle. He was a US Army Veteran and a proud union member of Steelworkers Local 1938.
There are no words to describe how dynamic a person Jim was. He was known as Uncle Jim to almost every younger person in Ely. He was generous to a fault giving unconditionally to the people he loved and donated to many sports organizations in Ely. He loved traveling with his wife Betty and later with lots of extended family and friends.
More than anything he loved summer when he could drive his 1970 Catalina convertible, cruising all over with Betty who he always said he married young because he knew she was the one. He also loaned his car to be used in many parades and school events.
Jim was also a surrogate uncle, father, and grandparent to many. The latest joy in his life was when his great niece Gracie was born. He spent many hours loving, nurturing and enjoying her.
Jim is survived by his wife Betty (Scufsa) of 44 years. Brother Fred Povhe (Jeanie) and his three sons: Ben, Alex and Bradley of Ely; brothers in law: Rudy (Sue) Scufsa of Winton and Bernie Scufsa (Donna) of Cottage Grove. Special nieces Amy Kellogg and her children: Courtney and Cole; and Trisha Weisinger and her daughter Emily Forsman, besides many more grand nieces and nephews and last but not least Grace Povhe. Jim had a super tight family and network of friends that is beyond, beyond showing how much he was loved by all. He will be waiting for us all in Heaven with “How the hell are ya” and a Black Label beer. Jim donated his body to University of Minnesota in the hopes that it would help someone else in the future.
He was preceded in death by his mother Mary, father Fritz, special sister in law Peggy Povhe who was waiting for him 12 years before on this day, mother and father in law Angela and Rudy Scufsa, sister in law Theresa Kitchens and nephew Kevin Scufsa and grand nephew Zachary Scufsa.
A Memorial service will be held at a later date.