James Neuman

James "Jim" Russell Neuman, 85, of Battle Lake, died peacefully on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at the Good Samaritan in Battle Lake after a decade long battle with Parkinson's and a recent fall which led to hip surgery.

James was born on June 23, 1941 in Fergus Falls, the son of Charles Russell and Eunice V. (Olds) Neuman. He grew up in Fergus Falls and attended school there, graduating from Fergus Falls High School in 1959. James continued his education at Moorhead State University in Moorhead, MN and received his Master's Degree from Mankato State University. He met Mary Rude at a dance at Balmoral on Otter Tail Lake in 1960. They fell in love and were married September 14, 1963 at Our Saviors Ten Mile Lake Lutheran Church in Dalton. Their marriage was blessed with three sons; Kirk, Judd and Reid.

Jim's career in education took the family to several different communities in Minnesota. He began his career as a history teacher. The family moved from Fergus Falls in 1964 to Fairfax, MN until 1967. The family then moved to Grove City, MN until 1970 when they moved to Raymond, MN. In 1973 they packed up and moved back to Fergus Falls, where Jim served as assistant superintendent for the Fergus Falls School District. It was in 1973 when they bought their first cabin on Otter Tail Lake. In 1976, James became superintendent of the Zumbrota School District. During his 22 years with the school district, he led the legal consolidation of the Zumbrota and Mazeppa communities into a unified school district. During his years in Zumbrota, weekends in the summer were spent at their cabin on Otter Tail Lake. The lake was in their hearts and they had a great time. Upon Jim's retirement in 1998, they bought a home in The Village in Florida where they wintered until 2018, enjoying time with many friends.

He was a member of the Lions Club, Minnesota Education Association and was the 1996 recipient of the Regional Administrators Excellence Award. He was also honored with the naming of the James JR Neuman Music Auditorium at Zumbrota-Mazeppa High School. He enjoyed his life at the lake and loved to spend time on the water in one of his boats. Jim spent many hours on the golf course playing the game he loved. Golf was a passion for Jim and he was very successful, even scoring a very rare "double eagle". He enjoyed playing golf with the "Ben Gay Boys". He was also an avid Minnesota Vikings fan and loved to watch (yell) at them. He also loved to pontoon with his family and friends.

Preceding him in death were his parents; his wife, Mary, who died in 2023, his youngest son, Reid and brother-in-law, Vernon Vallevand.

Jim is survived by two sons, Kirk (Brenda) of Faribault and Judd (Denise) of Ottertail; one grandson, Dakota of Dodge Center; great-grandson, Lucus James and sister, Connie Vallevand.

Memorial Service: 1:00 p.m. Friday, August 21, 2026 at Our Savior's Ten Mile Lake Lutheran Church in Dalton, MN, with visitation one-hour prior to the service.

Clergy: Reverend Amy Kelly

Interment: Our Savior's Cemetery, Dalton, MN

Arrangements provided by Olson Funeral and Cremation in Fergus Falls.

Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com