James Alvin "Jim" Stratton

James Alvin Stratton Age 78 of Mahtomedi, Minnesota Passed Away on September 2, 2016 Jim was born in Edina, Minnesota on June 20, 1938, the only son of Modene and Jack Stratton. He graduated from Edina High School and went on to attend the University of Minnesota for Engineering. While at college, he met the love of his life, Phyllis Ann Tramel. The two were married and then moved to Oakdale, Minnesota. They were a very fun, social couple and could be found playing bridge with friends or being involved with different organizations. Jim proudly worked at 3M Company for over 40 years. He and Phyl moved to Mahtomedi in 1974 where they raised their two children, Kati and John. In Mahtomedi, Jim was a longtime President of the Oakleigh Dock Association and the Mahtomedi Planning Commission. When he was not working or serving on boards, Jim was an avid golfer. Later in life, when he and his golf buddies were unable to golf anymore, they still met for beer and lunch. After retiring, he and Phyl had the opportunity to move just down the street and build a new home in Mahtomedi. For the last twenty years, they were fortunate to be able to spend three weeks out of the year down in Cabo. This past year was the first year without Phyl, so both John and Kati took Jim down to spend the three weeks in Cabo. Other favorite travels included Italy, Florida, California (specifically wine country), and when he was at 3M, Germany. Jim travelled so much that he began logging his flights and miles in the 1950’s. In 2012, he was just shy of 1 million miles flown and his family knows he surpassed that with the last 4 years. Jim was a very friendly and kind man. He could talk to anybody with his kind disposition. His personality will be missed by all his family and friends. Jim had been battling pancreatic cancer for more than two years. His strength and dedication throughout the journey came from a close friend who had pancreatic cancer for almost seven years. In August of 2015, Phyllis passed away. The two had been married for 53 years at that time. Jim passed away on Friday, September 2, 2016 with his children by his side. He is preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Modene Stratton; and his wife, Phyllis “Phyl” Stratton. He will be missed by his daughter, Kati Walters of St. Cloud, Minnesota; his son, John (Cindy Peart) Stratton of Folsom, California; his granddaughter, Rachael Hellyer of Huntington Beach, California; his brothers-in-law, Dave (Mary) Tramel of Washington State and Jim (LaVonne) Tramel of Mountain Ranch, California; and many nephews, nieces, family, and friends. There will be a time to celebrate Jim’s life at a future date.