James Herman Joel, Sr., 76

James Herman Joel Sr. was born on January 12, 1938 in Wells, MN, to Omar and Beulah (Boetcher) Joel. James grew up in Albert Lea, MN and attended school through the 8th grade before joining the military at the age of 16. Following his service James married Marcella Hamilton on July 25, 1959. He became a truck driver and drove for McLean’s Trucking and a few other companies before he retired in 1996. He loved to race dirt track and he also loved to travel especially around Europe. He was a member of the Badger Baptist Church, which was founded in 2006 with his help. James is preceded in death by his wife, Marcella in 2008; his parents, and two sisters. He is survived by his special friend, Joyce Boroos of Badger, MN; children, James (Shelly) Joel Jr. of Brainerd, MN, David (Tina) Joel of Apache Junction, AZ, Thomas (Carmen) Joel of Anoka, MN, Sue (David) Norstebon of Badger, MN; 15 grandchildren; 8 ¾ great-grandchildren; four brothers, and two sisters. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the American Cancer Society.
A Memorial Service for James H. Joel Sr. of Badger, MN was held on Saturday, February 1, 2014 at 10:00AM at Helgeson Funeral Chapel in Roseau, MN; Visitation one hour prior to the service at the chapel. Interment will be held at a later date.
Helgeson Funeral Chapel