Wayne Orval James

WAYNE ORVAL JAMES, age 65 of Elysian, died on the afternoon of Saturday, June 3, 2023 at the Fairview University of Minnesota Medical Center in Minneapolis.

Wayne was born in Waseca on April 4, 1958, to parents Donald Perry and Helen Florence (Powell) James.  He attended school in Elysian then graduated from Waterville-Elysian High School with the class of 1976.  In 1978 Wayne was married to the love of his life, Teri Ann Nusbaum at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Waterville.  Wayne loved working side by side with his wife and family on the farm and in his business, James Brothers Construction.  He and his family began a business with one skid loader that has grown to become a household name in Southern Minnesota.  Outside of his work, Wayne lived and breathed for his family and his community.  He loved supporting small businesses in their endeavors, taking care of people in any way they needed, farming, going for country drives and wild ATV rides, preparing weekly breakfast feasts for his beloved grandchildren (and occasionally their parents), and stopping off for cheese curds or a glass of wine with his wife whenever they were “on the way home” from anywhere.  He was a devoted member and volunteer for the Elysian Fire Department, the WEM FFA Foundation, the Elysian Chamber of Commerce, the West Bank Board of Directors, the Minnesota Onsite Wastewater Association (MOWA), was a talented and funny auctioneer, and an avid supporter of local schools.  He and Teri were long-time members of Christ Community Church in Waseca.  Wayne will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but all will be glad to have been a part of his life as he continues his journey “on the way home.”

Wayne is survived by his devoted wife of 45 years, Teri James of Elysian; four children, Shannon (Nate) Kuball of Morristown, Lisa (Elliott) Cage of Elysian, Justin (Stephanie) James of Waterville, and Jacob (Ellie) James of Elysian; fourteen grandchildren, Kelsey Kuball, Emma Kuball, Kyleigh Duffey, Keegan Kuball, Ethan Cage, Kaden James, Isabella Cage, Mackenzie James, Isaac Cage, Kenadee James, Madelynn James, Weston James, Meredith James, and Miriam James; six siblings, Connie (Stewart) Dillon of Mankato, Deb (Bob) Kelley of Madison Lake, Steve (Barb) James of Waterville, Sandy (John) Reed of Florida, Carrie (Tim) Bengtson of Elysian, and Jason (Kim) James of Elysian; Father-In-Law, Ralph Nusbaum of Waterville; Mother-In-Law, Carol (Mike) Cieraszynski of Kentucky; Brother-In-Law, Mike (Melanie) Nusbaum of Florida; Sisters-In-Law, Laurie Danberry of Waterville and Deana Nusbaum of Kentucky; and many nieces, nephews, and other special relatives.  He was preceded in death by both of his parents; a nephew, Jared Dillon; and two Brothers-In-Law, Curt Nusbaum and Doug Nusbaum.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 8:00 pm on Tuesday, June 6, 2023, at the Elysian Fire Hall, and will continue for one hour before the service at the church on Wednesday.