James “Jim” Hegge of Big Lake passed away at the age of 82 on May 12, 2024 at Guardian Angels in Elk River, Minnesota.

Jim was born May 18, 1941 in Menno, South Dakota to Alvin and Leona (Dickmann) Hegge.

He attended school in Henry, South Dakota, and spent his childhood on the family farm. He enlisted in the Army in October 1963 in Watertown, SD.

Jim married Eileen Inselmann in February 1966 and the family lived in Minneapolis until moving to a farm outside Big Lake in 1972. He established a family business, Jim’s Roofing, in 1966 and ran it successfully until his retirement.

Jim liked cars--collecting them (especially Chrysler Imperials and Cadillacs), stock car racing, and demolition derbies. He was proud to have won the Minnesota State Fair demolition derby twice. He was an avid hunter and snowmobiler.

He lived in Big Lake in later years and enjoyed sitting outside greeting and chatting with neighbors and passers-by.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother; Clyde and Dale; and his sister, Gloria.

Jim is survived by sister, Judy; wife, Eileen; son, James (fiancée Jill); and daughters; Kim and Christina. Also survived by grandchildren, Kayla, Drake, and Arianna; plus numerous nieces, nephews, and other family and friends.

A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 15, at Saron Lutheran Church in Big Lake, MN. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Luncheon to follow service.