Obituary of James Edgar Halsted

James Edgar Halsted, 91, formally of Plymouth MN, passed away at St Therese Senior Community on February 20th, 2024.

Jim was born September 5th, 1932, in Lucas Kansas, to Millard and Florence (Cooper) Halsted.  When Jim was 2 years old, they moved to Bonners Ferry Idaho where he grew up with his 3 older sisters and 3 younger brothers.

Jim joined the Air Force in 1951, during the Korean war. Based in Arizona he worked as a mechanic on B36’s and B47’s.

Jim attended the university of Idaho, Moscow from 1956 thru 1960.   While attending a dance in 1956 he met Nedra Montgomery.  They married in the fall of 1957 and were happily married for 67 years.   Jim’s job brought them to Ogden, Utah where he worked for Thiokol Chemical Corporation.  He worked on stage three of the Minute Man Missile.  In 1968 they moved to Minneapolis, MN.  He worked for Honeywell at the St Francis proving grounds, where he made and tested propellants.  He retired at the age of 59. 

Jim was a Free Mason where he obtained the office of Master Mason.  He was a Shriner where he and Nedra enjoyed the many social aspects and charity work that Shriners are known for.    It was also during this time Jim and Nedra discovered their passion for boating on the St Croix and Mississippi rivers.  They loved exploring the river while entertaining friends and family.  Jim was an avid reader and conversationalist.  He had the biggest heart and laugh to match.  There wasn’t a person that met Jim that didn’t love him.  He could talk to anybody about anything for hours.  He especially liked exploring science, history, and the universe.  But above all it was his family that made him the happiest.

Jim is survived by wife Nedra, his daughters Leslee and Jill (Chris Maca);  grandchildren Ben (Erin) Lucas and Erin Lucas (Mateo Mackbee); great grandchildren Caleb and Jackson (Lucas)

He is also survived by 1 older sister and 2 younger brothers along with numerous nieces and nephews.  Jim is preceded in death by his parents, 2 older sisters and 1 younger brother.