James “Jim” Negri
Age 80, of Fridley area
Passed away 12/29/2020
James Alfin Negri, born June 15, 1940 in Hibbing, Minnesota, to parents, Felix B. Negri and Doris Carlson Negri (both are deceased).
He is survived by two Sisters, Phyllis (The late Dick Jarvi) Negri Jarvi, of Hibbing, and Dee (Tom Stilinovich) Negri Stilinovich, of Eagle, Idaho; six Nephews and one Niece. Jim was never married and had no children.
His early education was spent at Brooklyn Elementary, North Hibbing Junior High School, and graduated from Ely High School in 1959, after the family moved in 1956 to Babbitt, MN.
Jim enlisted in the US Air Force on July 14, 1959. He trained at warehouse/supply/inventory in Texas. Jim was sent to Europe after training, and he was stationed at bases in France, Germany, and the Netherlands. He was Airman E-4. Jim received an honorable discharge on January 15, 1963.
After returning to Minnesota, Jim worked for several years in the mining world of the “Minnesota Iron Range” where his family worked for years. Jim decided he wanted to do something else, so in 1964, he took advantage of the “GI” Bill and he enrolled at Dunwoody Institute of Technology in Minneapolis. Upon graduating in 1966 with a drafting degree, he was employed immediately by Univac/Sperry Rand, now known as Unisys. Jim took an early out option and retired in the 90s.
During his working years and after, Jim was very active as a hockey coach in the Fridley area. A big highlight in Jim’s coaching career was Dec 6, 1972 when he was able to get his “Pee Wee Team” up to Ely, Minnesota to play against Babbitt and Ely teams. For all the players, boys and girls, and parents, there are plans to have a celebration for Jim sometime in July 2021. Check Gearhart Funeral Home’s website at http://www.gearhartfuneralhome.com