Obituary of Jim O'Leary

 James(Jim) O’Leary (84) of Duluth peacefully passed into glory on October 9th 2023 at Diamond Willow, Proctor Mn.

Jim was born in Duluth Mn on  Nov 4 1938.  He graduated from Duluth Denfeld High School in 1956.  After graduating he enlisted in the US Army and was stationed in California.  He received an honorable discharge.  After his discharge he moved to the Twin Cities area and attended and graduated from the Minnesota School of Business. He earned a degree in data processing and accounting. He was employed by a number of small businesses in the Twin Cities area.

Jim was an avid sportsman. He mostly enjoyed curling and golf.  Jim helped manage the St Paul  Curling Club for many years.  However, it was his love for golf which resulted in the decision to attend a PGA management program.  Upon graduation Jim joined the PGA and became a golf pro.  He was employed by a number of golf courses throughout the state of Minnesota. He retired after a tenure as golf pro at the golf course in SilverBay Minnesota.

Jim will be remembered as an ardent story and joke teller. He had very strong convictions and he always had something to add to any conversation.  His nieces and nephews will forever remember him as Santa Claus because he dressed up as Santa every year and gave out gifts.

 Jim was preceded in death by his wife Sharon, his parents Gregory and Victoria O’Leary and siblings Marie Barta and Patrick and Daniel O’Leary.  He is survived by his siblings Mike (Norma ) O’Leary, Eileen (Mike) Schmidt, Liz(Sisto) Santodonato and Rita (Mike) Krisak and their families.

A special thank you to the staff of Diamond Willow and Essentia Hospice team for their compassionate care.

There will be a celebration of life on November 4th 2023 to be held at the Cremation Society of Minnesota 4100 Grand Avenue, Duluth Mn. The visitation starts at 2:00 PM and the time of sharing starts at 3:00 to be followed by a reception with hors-d’oeuvres.


He will be dearly missed by all.