James "Jimmie" D. Halstead

JAMES DAVID HALSTEAD was born to James and Grace (Hall) Halstead in Winnebago, Minnesota on October 4, 1950. At the age of 7 he went into foster care. On May 31, 1969 James enlisted in the delayed program for the United States Navy, while still in high school. Two weeks after graduation he entered the service. James was stationed on the USS Nashville LPD 13, outside of Norfolk, Virginia. The ship traveled around much of Europe, the Mediterranean, South America, and Central America. Many winters were spent in the Caribbean to avoid the seasonal rough seas of the Atlantic Ocean. He worked in the deck office eventually attaining 3rd Class Boatswain Mate. On January 25, 1973, he was honorably discharged and returned to South Central, Minnesota for a year. James then discovered his mother in St. Charles, Illinois and after they reconnected he moved there for the next 13 years. Due to an injury he returned to Minnesota and moved to Worthington, where he lived for the next 22 years. In 2004, he moved to Slayton, Minnesota for 10 years until in January of 2014, he became a resident at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Luverne, Minnesota. James remained at the Minnesota Veterans Home until his passing on Thursday, January 24, 2019 at the age of 68 years, three months, and 20 days.


James was an avid reader and especially interested in mysteries, thrillers, and non-fiction books. He was a sports fan and enjoyed following basketball and football. He liked to go fishing and had a passion for good food. He was a regular at the China Inn in Luverne and in his earlier years had loved cooking and making special meals to share with friends. Seeking treasures at garage sales led James to a hobby of collecting antiques and particularly items made of brass. He also enjoyed refinishing furniture.


James will be remembered by his son, David Halstead; his brother, Gordon; his special aunt, Dee Anne; and many loving friends.