James Edwin Duflo was born on March 30, 1939, to Corvin and Emeline (Measor) Duflo in Fairmont, Minn. He was baptized at the United Methodist Church in Fairmont in 1939 and confirmed there in 1952.

Known to many as Jim, and to his closest friends as JED, he joined the National Guard in 1956. He graduated from Fairmont High School in May 1957 and enlisted in the United States Air Force in October of that same year. Jim served honorably until December 1962, spending five years overseas in Germany and later Newfoundland.

On Feb. 2, 1963, Jim was united in marriage to Hattie Jane Rosa in Fairmont, Minn. Two children were born to this union: Jerome Edwin Duflo and Kerri Ryni Duflo. Jim and Hattie later divorced in 1982.

In 1977, Jim and Hattie moved back to Fairmont after Jim had spent years helping open Standard Gas stations throughout Minnesota and Iowa. Upon returning to Fairmont, Jim began working as a machinist at Fairmont Railway Motors, following in his father’s footsteps. He remained there until his retirement in 2001.

On Sept. 2, 1988, Jim married Mildred (Engstrom) Anderson. Jim and Millie made their home in Fairmont until Jim moved to the Minnesota Veterans Home in Luverne, Minn., in 2024.

During his time at the Veterans Home, Jim was known as a social butterfly. He enjoyed playing cribbage, participating in bingo, and joining the monthly dinner outings around town. His friendly nature and love of conversation made him a favorite among fellow residents and staff alike. Prior to moving to Luverne, Jim had a special nephew, Ricky Johnson and his wife, Pam who were career Air Force veterans that always made a point to visit Jim when they came home. They shared a lot in common and could often be found out fishing on one of the lakes.

Jim is survived by his wife, Mildred; Her two daughters Susan and Linda (Bill), his sister, Donna Born and her husband, John, of Monticello; his son, Jerome Duflo and wife, Sue, of Fairmont; his daughter, Kerri Duflo and significant other, Kurt Kromschroeder, of Cambridge and one sister-in-law Darlene of Albert Lea. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Joshua Duflo, Joey Duflo and wife Laura, Logan Kelly and wife Emily, Jazzmyne Kelly, and Morgan Yeager; and great-grandchildren, Brackston Lovinggood, Hendrick Kelly, Noah, Eli, Jase, and Brynn Duflo and a baby girl Kelly expected in August 2026.

Jim is further survived by Millie’s grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Corvin and Emeline Duflo; his sister, Nancy Conte, 6 brother-in-laws, three sister-in-laws, his stepson, Tom Anderson and great granddaughter Madeline Duflo.

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