James Truax ’63

An obituary from the Northfield News 

James Dean Truax, of Rosemount MN died suddenly November 11, 2016. James (Jim) was born March 15, 1941 to Merrill (Micky) Truax and Elsie Erickson Truax in Northfield, MN. Jim graduated from Northfield High School in 1959. Jim earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Carleton College graduating in 1963 with a major in Religion. He lettered in football and participated in music and theater while working all four years on a student work grant.  

Upon graduation, he was admitted to Drew University Theological School in Madison, New Jersey and graduated with a Master of Divinity degree in 1966. Jim was subsequently ordained as a United Methodist Minister and was appointed to the Wesley United Methodist Church in St. Paul, MN Jim always praised his congregation for providing a wonderful experience for his ministry, but decided for personal reasons, to leave the ministry. Jim kept his ordination credentials and officiated at many weddings throughout the years. In 1970, Jim was appointed Health and Social Services Coordinator for the City of Bloomington, MN and was promoted in 1974 to be Bloomington’s Director of Community Services. He was awarded a MBA degree from the University of St. Thomas in 1976. Jim continued as the Director of Community Services until his retirement in 2007.  

Jim loved music and literature and enjoyed playing his guitar and singing alone or with his brother John. He wrote a mystery novel, “The Pope’s Granddaughter”, published in 2000. He wrote and published two more novels, “The Ferryman” in 2001 and “The Cake Eater Conspiracy” in 2003.  

Jim is survived by his wife Carol Ann Truax, of Rosemount, MN, his children Mitchell (Jami) Truax, Ellensburg, WA, daughter Heather (Paul) Kennedy, Denver CO, brother John (Joan) Truax, sister JoAnne (Pat) May, many in-laws, nieces, nephews, and friends. Jim had a special affection for his nephew Max Truax who was a living donor for Jim’s liver transplant in 2005. His family and friends will sincerely miss Jim’s graciousness, quick sense of humor, and dignity. A celebration of James (Jim) Dean Truax’s life will be held in June of 2017.