James R. Canfield, age 95, of Cambridge, formerly of Sandstone died February 7, 2014 at GracePoint Crossing Gables East in Cambridge. Funeral services will be held at 10 AM on Saturday, February 15th at Strike Funeral Home – Cambridge Chapel with a visitation 1 hour prior to the service. Pastor Kevin Haseltine will officiate. Interment will be in Evergreen Memorial Cemetery in Friesland.
James Robert Canfield was born in St. Paul on August 18, 1918 to John and Elizabeth (Vanzee) Canfield. He was raised in Minneapolis and St. Paul area. James attended District 2 School in Hennepin County finishing school on June 3, 1933. He married Virginia Wehlast in Mora on November 30, 1968. They made their first home in Beroun later moving to Sandstone. He lived in Sandstone until moving to the nursing home in Cambridge on July 25, 2013. James was always self-employed. He was a roofing and siding contractor for many years. He had also owned other businesses over the years, including gas stations and restaurants. He was a handyman and also enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing and gardening.
James Canfield passed away February 7, 2014 at GracePointe Crossing Gables East at the age of 95 years, 5 months and 20 days. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by 1 sister, Margret Fels; 4 brothers, Harry, Raymond, Floyd and Jack; step-son, Mike Thomsen.
James is survived by his wife, Virginia of Cambridge; 5 children, Gary Canfield of Coon Rapids, Diane Johnson of Cottonwood, Arizona, JoAnn (Orland) Bye of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Debra (Brett) Moore of Cottonwood, Arizona, Mary Ann Turnipseed of Cottonwood, Arizona; 3 step-children, Terry (Debbie) Thomsen of North Branch, Jeannie (Maynard) Folstrom of Isanti, Doug (Debbie) Thomsen of North Branch; daughter-in-law, Carla Thomsen of Hinckley; 24 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; 3 sisters, Alice Iverson of Mesa, Arizona, Elenor Miller of Culpater, Virginia, Dorothy Cross of Andover; and by many other relatives and friends.
I was very sad to hear of the passing of Uncle Jim. I worked with Uncle Jim and my father, Floyd, in their construction business and lived with him prior to my joining the military in 1969. I have many fond memories of visiting him at his business on the hill. I will pass my favorite stories to my sons and will never forget him.
Guy Canfield