1983
Jim
2024
James R. Sanford
February 7, 1983 — March 28, 2024
Jim, Jimbo, Beanie, Uncle Jimmy, passed away unexpectedly due to cardiac complications on March 28 2024, in Apple Valley, Minnesota, at the age of 41.
Celebration of Jim's Life will take place from 2-6 PM Sunday, April 14 at Mueller-Bies Funeral Home-Roseville, 2130 N. Dale St., Roseville, MN 55113.
Jim dedicated his life to caring for animals. Whether it was at Petco in his early years or working at one of the many zoos he loved. He knew at a very young age he would follow his dream of becoming a zookeeper and he did just that. He graduated from NDSU in 2005 with a degree in zoology. While attending college he spent some time volunteering at the Red River Zoo, and after graduation he spent many years making great friends and memories at the Kansas City Zoo. Eventually he made it home to the Minnesota Zoo were he dedicated his days to caring for many animals and building loving relationships with all his Zoo family. He truly had a passion for being a zookeeper and loved every minute of it. Jim also enjoyed slinging snow cones during the summer in his family's fair concession trailer or selling programs for the state high school tournaments. He enjoyed playing softball and basketball, and recently found a joy in bowling with his younger brother. His small hands did not give him an advantage.
Jim is survived by his loving parents, Robert & Mary Sanford; his siblings, Krystin (Justin) Andersen and Daniel (Athena) Sanford; his nieces and nephew, Evelyn, Luna, Lillian and Benjamin; his extended family, Butch Tysk, Betty Onsted, Viv (Doug) Frid, Mary Edwards, and Martha Johnson; and many cousins and their children. He is also survived by his Zoo families from all over the US.
To honor Jim, please spend time with those you love. See them, hold them in your arms and tell them you love them! Find laughter, Jim had a great laugh and an odd sense of humor. Be kind, he was the kindest person to everyone he encountered including all animals.
Please, in lieu of flowers, visit a zoo. Remember and think of Aussie Jim or Zookeeper Jim along the way. His passion and dedication to the animals and the people he worked with will live on for many years to come. He loved and cared for everyone he met throughout the years.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James R. Sanford, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Celebration of Life
Sunday, April 14, 2024
2:00 - 6:00 pm (Central time)
Mueller-Bies - Roseville Chapel
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