James William Maki

“Jim” Maki, 83, of Esko, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 28, after a valiant struggle with Parkinson’s disease.

He was preceded in death by beloved wife Judith Elizabeth Maki, with whom he shared 56 wonderful years of marriage. Jim and Judy traveled the world together, with Dad always behind the wheel—even in foreign countries, on the “wrong” side of the road. They naturally held hands because they were always better for each other’s company.

Jim is survived by his sons, Scot (Maricielo) Maki and Kevin (Jaelynn) Maki; as well as his cherished granddaughters, Margo, Mia, and Marina; his brother Jerry (Clarence Wong) Maki and sister Marilyn (Jeff) Knepper.

A Celebration of Jim’s Life will be held on Saturday, March 28, from 12-4:00PM at Doc’s Bar & Grill in Sturgeon Lake. All who knew and loved him are welcome to attend.

Born in Duluth, Minnesota, Jim was the son of Willio and Eleanor Maki. He was a proud graduate of Denfeld High School and retired after 39 years of dedicated service with the Minnesota Department of Transportation, where he worked as a heavy equipment mechanic.

Jim had an unmatched talent for building and fixing things, and his curiosity for how things worked never faded. He loved sharing that knowledge with his sons, whether it was teaching a new skill like welding or stained glass, or simply changing the oil together. Above all, he treasured time spent with his family—especially traveling with Judy to visit their grandchildren.

memorial service

Celebration of Life

March 28, 2026

Doc's Sports Bar & Grill 34427 Majestic Pine Dr, Sturgeon Lake, MN 55783, USA

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Crescent Tide Cremation Services