James Lew “Jim” Erichsen, 78, of Hot Springs, went to be with his maker Tuesday, January 12, 2021. He was born to the late Edward “Buster” and Margie “Babe” Erichsen in Stillwater, Minnesota on October 5, 1942.
Jim had completed grade school in Stillwater before moving to St. Paul where he graduated from Harding High in 1960. After graduation, Jim joined the Navy. Boot camp was spent at The Great Lakes Base before heading to New Jersey for parachute rig school. Jim was eventually assigned to the NSA in Millington, Tennessee where he spent the remainder of his naval career.
Jim married Vivian Gray in January of 1964. They welcomed their son, Charles “Chuck” Erichsen, in October of the same year. In the summer of 1965 the family moved to St. Paul, Minnesota. Jim worked in the printing industry there for more than 11 years.
Jim moved his family to Hot Springs. He worked for Zane Gray Construction for 15 years before taking a job at the Garland County Sheriff’s Department where he worked until his retirement.
Jim lived a full life and had many hobbies. Parachute jumping, fishing, hunting, and Nascar- to name a few. He was a huge Dale Earnhart, Sr. fan and when Dale Jr. began racing, he was his fan as well.
Jim was loved dearly and will be missed most by his wife of 57 years, Vivian; son, Charles “Chuck” Erichsen (Lois); sister, Merry Kole; brothers John (Jane) Erichsen and Edward “Bud” Erichsen; brother in law Zane (Joyce) Gray; sister in law, Edna Howell; and many more well-loved extended family.
Jim will be greeted in Heaven by his parents and two of his brothers.
A Backyard Celebration of Jim’s Life will be announced in the spring -where family and friends will gather to remember Jim.
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