JAMES ANTON MINER

James Anton Miner died peacefully amongst his family Sunday, Sept. 18, 2011, in St. Luke's Hospital's hospice care.

Jim was born Feb. 8, 1934, in Grand Rapids, the oldest of Anton and Ida Gusse Miner's four children. On Aug. 21, 1953, he married Luciya Merhar, and they began their marriage together on the shores of Lake Pokegama, Minn.

As a child and young man growing up in Grand Rapids, Jim developed many of the characteristics that would endure throughout his life. He grew up helping tend to his family's tavern and grocery store, instilling a work ethic and business acumen he carried throughout his life. His passion for the outdoors and the life of a sportsman was born trapping, hunting and fishing in the forests, lakes and ponds of northern Minnesota.

As a young man, Jim spent a few years running a grocery store in Virginia. From there, Jim and Lucy settled in the Woodland neighborhood in Duluth where they raised seven children, Jim Jr., Michael, Matthew, Theresa, Marie, John and Jerry, within walking distance of the third of his family's grocery stores, Woodland Piggly Wiggly.

During this time, Jim and Lucy, and their family affirmed their commitment to God and family. The Miner family was a "fixture" at Saint John's parish where all seven children attended Saint John's School, and the family worshipped there regularly. After moving from Woodland, Jim and Lucy continued their faith at Saint Joseph's Church in Gnesen.

In the early 1970s, Jim began researching an emerging trend in the grocery business. Soon after, in 1977, Miners, Inc., opened the first warehouse supermarket in Cloquet. Always with an emphasis on the best quality, and lowest prices, Super One Foods evolved. According to Jim, the idea for the name of the store occurred one sleepless night when he determined his idea should be a super one.

From the humblest beginnings in northern Minnesota, Jim's dream has grown to thirty-one stores across four states. Yet, despite the company's success, Jim held steadfast to the values of his youth. In recent years, he was still concerned over the price of a pound of hamburger and the ability of all his customers to afford healthy food for their families.

Throughout his life, Jim loved being outdoors. And he had the good fortune to travel the world pursuing his passions. But he was always at peace on a northern lake, looking over its shimmering water.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; son Michael; and his grandsons, David and Scott.

He is survived by his wife, Lucy; their six children, Jim Jr. (Diane), Matthew, Marie, Theresa (Ron) Lorentz, John (Judy), and Jerry; 22 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; his siblings, Jerry (Shirley), John (Annell) and Janet (Bill) Johnson of Grand Rapids; and nieces and nephews.

VISITATION begins with a prayer service at 4:30 p.m. and continues until 8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 21, in the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary. Visitation resumes at 10 until the 11 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial Thursday, Sept. 22, in the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary.

In lieu of flowers, Jim's family respectfully asks that memorials be made to the Damiano Center, 206 W. Fourth St., Duluth, MN 55806, or the Michael Miner Endowment Fund at Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank, 4503 Airpark Boulevard, Duluth MN 55811 or a charity of your choice.

Tags: obituaries