James (Jim) Vincent Melvin

James (Jim) Vincent Melvin, 89, of Plainview, peacefully passed away early Tuesday morning, June 24, 2025, at Mayo Clinic Hospital, Methodist Campus, in Rochester, Minnesota with family by his side.
He was born on May 7th, 1936, in Wabasha, Minnesota, to Frank and Patricia (Lynch) Melvin. He graduated from Plainview High School and enlisted in the United States Army Corps of Engineers, where he was eventually stationed in the territory of Alaska and promoted to specialist third class, serving as a heavy equipment mechanic. He was later honorably discharged and came back to Plainview, where he worked for several years at Lakeside Foods, Inc.
During a local dance, Jim met Kathryn (Kathy) Taylor, and they were married six months later on October 20, 1962, at St. Joachim Catholic Church in Plainview. Their marriage flourished for 62 years, filled with love and cherished memories. In 1968, Jim and Kathy bought a dairy farm north of Plainview, where they raised their four sons. Jim managed his dairy farm for fifty years, handling mechanics, veterinary care, and crop management, all while caring for his family. For many years, Jim participated in a local bowling league and Knights of Columbus. He was a lifelong member of St. Joachim Catholic parish.
In later years, he enjoyed traveling with Kathy to the Southwest, including Laughlin, Nevada and Phoenix, Arizona. However, he felt most at home on his farm with his beloved wife and sons, “the boys,” who have fond memories of tending to cattle, baling hay, driving tractors and cleaning the milkhouse with their father, as these activities never seemed like work.
He is survived by sons Mark (Steev Mallon) of St. Paul, MN, Michael (Kathy) of Park Rapids, MN, Kevin (Sara Smith) of Eagan, MN, and Jason of Plainview, MN; and three grandchildren Nicholas (Nick) and Lucy of Eagan, MN, and Thomas (Tom) of Fargo, ND. Jim is also survived by his brother, Joseph (Joe) Melvin, and his sister Rita Nelson, both of Rochester, Minnesota, and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
Jim was preceded in death by his wife Kathryn (Kathy) Melvin, brother Arthur Melvin, sister Patricia (Melvin) Hall and his parents.
A funeral mass was held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 27, 2025, at St. Joachim Catholic Church in Plainview with Jim’s nephew, Father Tim Hall presiding. Friends and family may visit one hour prior to the service at the church. A luncheon will follow at the church. If desired, memorials can be made to St. Joachim’s Catholic Church Cemetery fund.
Jim was a kind, social person who enjoyed his family life. He will be profoundly missed, but we are certain he is reunited with Kathy and perhaps enjoying a new dance.
Schad & Zabel Funeral Home in Plainview is assisting the family with arrangements.