James Brouwer

James Ralph “Jim” Brouwer came to the end of a long battle with Parkinson’s disease on October 10, 2025. He was born in Garner, Iowa on May 15, 1945. He is survived by Cherry Brouwer, his wife of 59 years, his son Andrew and his grandson Jacob. He and Cherry first met as little children in Sunday School. Early on in their relationship their pastor told their parents “I believe those two will someday marry.” Unfortunately the pastor left Garner before their marriage, but his prediction proved to be accurate and they married in that very same church.

Jim had a variety of experiences in his life. He was a teacher, a principal, a shop foreman for the International Harvester dealership in Fairfield, Iowa, and a resort owner on Woman Lake at Longville in Northern Minnesota. Jim also coached football and girl’s basketball. He concluded his career as a professor and Director of Clinical Experiences at Bemidji State University. In this role (1986-2012) he was also responsible for the placement and supervision of hundreds of student teachers.

Jim’s formative years in Iowa led him being an avid Hawkeyes fan. In the fall of the year it was easy to know if the Hawkeye football team won or lost. His office at Bemidji State University was fully decorated with items that made it very clear he was a Hawkeye fan. Addionally, he frequently wore Hawkeye clothing, and his home address, which he could name as the last person living on the lane, was Hawkeye Point.

His advocacy for education was obvious and his son Andrew is a public school teacher and coach. Jim was very proud of this and frequently mentioned Andy’s accomplishments.

A celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at the Cease Family Funeral Home in Bemidji on Friday, October 24, 2025 at 1:00 pm.