James "Jim" Wesley Dament

James Wesley Dament (1929–2025)

Jim Dament, age 95, of Saint Paul, Minnesota, passed away on April 12, 2025 just days shy of his 96th birthday. Jim was born on April 22, 1929, in Racine, Wisconsin, Jim was the son of James Wesley Dament and Mabel Olivia Johnson. He grew up in Racine alongside one brother and four sisters in a close-knit and loving family. He was raised by a single, loving mom as his father passed away when Jim was only ten.

Jim graduated from St Catherine’s high school in Racine and started in the shoe business at age seventeen. He later served his country honorably during the Korean War (1951-1953) in the 32nd Engineer Construction Group.

On July 19, 1958, Jim married the love of his life, Lois Elaine Carlson, in Rockford, Illinois, and together, they raised five children: Catherine, James III, Thomas, Anne, and John.

Jim was a kind man with a great sense of humor and a big smile. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather always putting family first and leading with quiet strength and steadfast love.

Over the years, Jim and his family made homes in Missouri and Minnesota, eventually settling in Saint Paul, where he spent most of his life. Throughout his life long career in the shoe business he owned several shoe stores and was known for his knowledge, integrity, work ethic, many quips and service to customers. He finished out his career working at Schuler Shoes as a part time “shoe dog” until the age of 86 and was known as the “doctor” to his fellow employees.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings Genevieve, Rosemary, Catherine, Jacqueline, and George; and many cherished friends.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Lois; Children Catherine (Glenn) Anderson, James, Thomas, Anne (Keith Swart) Dament, John (Kimberly); three grandchildren Alanna, Sarah and Katie and many nieces and nephews.

Jim lived a full life, marked by service, family, and quiet strength. He will be dearly missed.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Matthew 25:23

Services will be held at Assumption Church, St Paul, MN, 10am, Wednesday April 23rd, with a visitation 1 hour prior to Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.