“Jim” was born Dec. 11, 1939, in Miller, S.D. He was the son of Fred and Alice Bute. His family moved to the Truman, Minn. area when he was six years old and began farming. He attended country school as a youngster, and later graduated from Truman High School in 1957.

Jim was united in marriage to Margaret Streit of Fairmont where they eventually made their home and went on to raise their seven children, Mike, Scott, Karin, Jeff, Patrick, Robert and Kelly. Jim worked as a truck, tractor diesel mechanic and a truck driver over the years, logging over two million miles. He was the service manager of the International Dealership in Fairmont back in the seventies.

Life changed for Jim and his family in 1976, when he accepted a position as an instructor in the Truck, Tractor Diesel program at ALAVTI (now Riverland College). He taught there for 23 years until his retirement in 1999. He had a deep love for passing on his great knowledge of all things mechanical, especially diesel trucks, tractors and heavy equipment. He touched the lives of many students throughout the years who went on to become professionals in their careers. His students fondly remember him as “Doctor Detroit” (his favorite type of engine). Jim was also an active member of the Norm Larson modified semi pulling team which won the 1993 NTPA National championship. He was instrumental in helping to start a student scholarship program for would-be diesel students back in the 90’s.

Jim loved traveling, camping, and exploring beautiful places and museums with his wife Marge. Together they ran a lawn and small engine repair business after his retirement. He and his family enjoyed attending many tractor shows and pulls over the years. He had a special fondness for the Butterfield Threshing Bees which he began attending back in 1967. Jim was the ultimate “walker” as most Alden residents would attest. He and his companion, Barney, logged many miles in all weather conditions to exercise and enjoy the outdoors. Jim was a social butterfly and loved to visit with people any time any place. He was a great story teller! He and Marge instilled a strong work ethic and love for God and family in their children.

Jim is survived by his wife, Margaret from Alden; sons, Mike (Jane), Scott (Lisa) of Alden; daughter, Karin (Joel Justin) of Faribault; sons, Jeff (Kimberly) of Hutchinson, Patrick (Jolene) of Alden, Robert (Julie) of New Ulm, and Kelly (Meggin) of Conger; 13 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Alice Bute; sister, Linda Bute; grandson, Derek; father and mother-in-law, Otto and Irene Streit; brothers-in-law, Vern Rosenberg and Steven Streit; and sisters-in-law, Shelia Chaffee and Karen Blachowske.

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