James R. Ponting

“Coyote”

Age 58, of Oakdale, grew up in Minneapolis. He passed away at home peacefully on January 2, 2017 after a hard battle with stomach cancer. Jim is preceded in death by his parents, James and Shirley Ponting. Survived by loving wife Gayle, children: Jason A., Brian A., Andrea R. Ponting, and Teresa (Jesse) Kern; 7 grandchildren: Justus, Journey, Victoria, William, Trinity, Marissa and Lyla; sisters: Susan (John) Hanley and Mary Sommers; two nieces, one nephew, many cousins, extended family and friends. Jim and Gayle were married 36 years and lived in St. Paul most of that time. They moved to Oakdale in 2011. Jim worked at Minnetonka Moccasin for the 1st years they were married; then for Fleet Maintenance from 1981-2004. He was an independent contractor of the Star Tribune as a paper carrier from 1995-2012. He was a caretaker of the apartments where he lived from 2012 until 2016 when his cancer, along with other complications, ended this career. The family is planning a Celebration of Jim’s life. This will take place in the Community room at 1610 Grenada Ave, N. Oakdale MN 55128 on Monday, January 9, 2017 from 11AM- 7PM. There is a previously scheduled benefit to help defray medical costs on January 28, 2017 from Noon - 4 PM at the North St. Paul VFW. This will be occurring as scheduled.