James Harold Jahoda

Jim was born Jan. 11, 1935 in Fargo, ND to Harold & Mary Jahoda. Grew up in Lidgerwood, ND, class of 1952. Graduated from Mpls College of Art and Design in 1956. He has 2 children: Linda Golden (Jeff), James Wm Jahoda, grandchildren, Madeline (Daniel), Alexandra (Chris); great grandchildren: Marlow, Harriet, & Annalise. He is survived by his wife, best friend, and caregiver Susie Dedo-Jahoda. Plus furry, 4 legged boys: Harold, Henry & Frank. Jim was a member of "Second Chance for Life" an organ transplant group. Billed as: "you don't want to join but if you're a member there is only one way out". It is with sadness I must report that my husband has left the group. He died at the U of MN Hospital on May 5, 2023. The same hospital he received his heart transplant 26 1/2 years ago on Christmas Eve, #357. Our approach to this gift & his care was as a "Team". They trained us well. We were compliment & grateful. Jimmy was an Artist/Designer, both Commercial (H.M Smyth), Fine Art at galleries & on commission. He was also an athlete: runner, biker, Nordic poker, XC skier, kayaker, snorkeler. He enjoyed hiking, marathons, the Birkie, & bike raced in the Transplant Games (top in his age group). Also Jim loved travel: US, Europe, Caribbean, South America, Mexico, Canada and points beyond. We incorporated the cultures, history, Art, architecture, food, people & gardens in our adventures. Jim took great pride in his own gardens and in being a steward of the land. Believing in composting, recycling & reusing. He also applied this philosophy to his art. Jim's artistic mediums were watercolor, pen & ink, portraits, wood carving & recycled tin sculptures. In relation to life style, our goal: Enjoy an active life. This worked until 2015 when new challenges appeared. Jim was battling 3rd degree kidney disease, anemia, skin cancers. All side effects of transplant drugs. By 2017 he was diagnosed with Parkinson's & Lewey Body Dementia. Extra complications such as blood cancers, platelet & bone marrow disorders, glaucoma, macular degeneration. Our next decision was not difficult. We joined the Anatomy Bequest Program at the U of M. It fit perfectly with our beliefs, when possible "Pass It Forward". Helping doctors & patients with training & research. This program holds a service of Gratitude to honor donors. The '23-'24 Service will be held Saturday May 18, 2:00 Northrop Auditorium. This is the remembrance service that Jimmy requested. In lieu of any other formal service please remember Jim by doing something selfless for someone you love. Memorials can be made in his name at the Animal Humane Society, Golden Valley, MN.

Published on May 12, 2024