James Everett Jernberg, 94, Falcon Heights, died Dec. 30, 2025. Jim was born Nov. 10, 1931, in Duluth, the only child of Bert and Anna Jernberg.
James grew up during the Great Depression and World War II in a close-knit community of hard-working first-generation immigrant families.
After graduating from Denfeld High School, Jim attended the University of Minnesota-Duluth (UMD), sitting next to Sally Johnson in one of his first classes as a freshman. Thus, began a love story for the ages. Midway through freshman year Jim put his education on hold to enlist in the Air Force, serving during the Korean War.
During Jim’s first military leave he and Sally went on their first date. During his second they became engaged, and during his third they married. The couple celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2004, just months before Sally’s death.
After discharge from the Air Force, Jim completed his bachelor’s (Economics, UMD) and master’s degrees (Public Affairs, U of M–Twin Cities) and earned his doctorate in Political Science at U of Wisconsin–Madison.
Jim spent his career at the U of M’s Humphrey School of Public Affairs, where he was a respected colleague, beloved professor, Director of Graduate Studies, and associate dean. Jim was an advisor and mentor to hundreds of students over the years.
Jim and Sally’s home was for decades the gathering spot for his graduate students and alumni, as recently as his 94th birthday.
Jim was also deeply connected to his Catholic faith community at St. Frances Cabrini. During his decades as a parishioner, Jim served as church council member, finance committee chair, mass coordinator, liturgical reader and fundraiser, among other roles. Jim also treasured his neighbors and the neighborhood he had called home for more than 60 years.
Jim was an avid golfer, a sports enthusiast and an arts supporter. Jim and Sally loved to travel, with their most favorite place the family island on Rainy Lake, at the Minnesota/Ontario border.
Known for his extraordinary memory, Jim had a story about everything and everyone. An eloquent and elegant wordsmith, he was a prolific writer and an engaging speaker.
Jim was a fierce advocate for human rights and social justice. He lived a life of integrity, generosity, kindness and humility. His deep love for people and his ability to both see the best and bring out the best in others will be his legacy.
Jim is survived by daughter Nancy of Falcon Heights, son Jim (Teresa) of Osakis, and son John (Theresa) of Roseville; seven grandchildren; two great-granddaughters; and dear friend Jody Hauer.
Mass of Christian Burial has been celebrated at the Church of St. Frances Cabrini, Minneapolis.
Memorial gifts may be directed to the church; the UMD Sally B. & James E. Jernberg Reaching Higher Scholarship, z.umn.edu/UMD_Jernberg Reaching Higher Scholarship; or to either the Jim Jernberg Award Fund (dedicated to improving students’ lives) or the James E. Jernberg Fellowship at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs, 301 19th Ave S, Suite 300, Minneapolis, MN. 55455.