James "Jim" Edward Shea

James “Jim” E. Shea, age 95, of Andover, died on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at his home.

Mass of Christian Burial is 11 a.m., on Friday, October 30, 2026, at Our Lady of Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Millerville with Fr. Jeremy Theis presiding. Music will be provided by Paul Melacha. Interment will take place at the church cemetery. Full military honors will be accorded by the Minnesota Honor Guard, and the Inspiration Peak Legion 527.

The visitation will begin at 4 p.m., on Thursday, October 29, 2026, and conclude with a 6:30 p.m., rosary at Lind Family Funeral Home in Alexandria. The visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church.

James Edward was born on January 29, 1931, with his twin brother, John, the eighth and ninth children to William and Minnie (Guenther) Shea in Garfield. John was born two hours before Jim and was something he didn’t let him forget. They remained incredibly close throughout their lives and kept their parents busy with their antics on the farm. Jim attended country school in Leaf Valley until the eighth grade and graduated from Alexandria High School in 1948. Jim entered the U.S. Army on November 12, 1953, and served until his honorable discharge on October 25, 1955. He was in the 5th Cavalry Regiment as a Light Weapons Infantryman and served in Japan. Jim worked at Graco in their Minneapolis factory for 37 years and “walked out the door” on his 62nd birthday. He lived in Roseville for most of his life and was a member of the Millerville American Legion for 52 years. Jim was everyone’s favorite uncle, never married and was a devout Catholic and member of St. Odilia’s Parish in Shoreview for many years. His nickname to family was “Kraut”. It started when they would visit their grandparents’ house and enjoy the homemade sauerkraut. Jim shortened it to “Kraut” and the name stuck.

He is preceded in death by his parents; and eight siblings, Marguerite, Helen, Al, Leo, Loretta, Hubert, Phil, and Betty.

Jim is survived by his twin brother, John Shea of Andover; many nieces and nephews; and other relatives.

Palbearers are his nephews, Jeff Shea, Jerry Shea, John Shea, Tim Shea, Tom Shea, & Bob Wilken.

Memorials are preferred to Our Lady of Seven Dolors or St. Odilia's Parish.