Age 86 Of St. Paul Born on December 4, 1935 Jim died on February 15th, two days before his 60th anniversary. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Frederich and Cecelia Kilbane Neher, step-father Harry Nonnemacher, brother Dr. Fred Neher, step-brothers Vincent and Harry Nonnemacher, Jr., uncle Arthur Neher and aunts Frances Neher and Mildred Hedrich. Jim is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Kate Mura, son Karl, daughter Kati, grandchildren Dominique and Olivia, cousin Barb Fritz, four nephews and a niece, several grand nephews and nieces and great grand nephews. Jim was born and grew up in St. Paul. After graduating from St. Paul Academy in 1954 and Harvard in 1959 he spent eight years in advertising and sales promotion at 3M Company while serving in the Minnesota National Guard as a medic. After eloping in Chicago at Old St. Mary’s Church with Bob and Nancy Culligan as attendants, they took up residence in St. Paul to raise a family. In 1968 Jim enrolled in William Mitchell College of Law serving as an investigator in the Minnesota Attorney General’s office while in law school. He joined the tax litigation office in 1972 where he represented the state of Minnesota in a trial and appellate court practice spanning thirty-six years. The highlight of his legal career was a federal case originating in Minnesota and ending successfully in the U.S. Supreme Court. Spurred by his wife, Jim spent a significant amount of his retirement years enjoying travel. In addition to annual visits to Door County Wisconsin with their grandchildren, they enjoyed other countries. His favorite places included Santa Fe, New Mexico and Mazatlan, Mexico. Visiting Mazatlan provided Jim with the opportunity to do volunteer work with a much-in-need animal shelter. Lest they be forgotten, important to Jim were the many furred and feathered members of his family. All of them were a source of joy to the entire family for many years. Thanks to Drs Gregory Granrud, Denise Long and Ted Zukowski and their staffs for the excellent care Jim received over the years while dealing with cardiomyopathy. The family wishes to sincerely thank the administration, staff, and medical caregivers at Carondelet Village who provided extraordinary loving care during hospice. Memorials preferred to Second Chance Animal Rescue in White Bear Lake, Minnesota and Animal Humane Society, Minnesota. Visitation and Memorial Service will be in the spring.
Class of 1972