James Alfred Hildebrandt, 74, of Mantorville, Minn., died Wednesday, December 9, at Cottagewood Senior Communities in Rochester of complications with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP). Jim was born June 4, 1946, at St. Luke's Hospital in Faribault, Minn., to Alfred and Mabel (Skolness) Hildebrandt of rural Kenyon. Like most farm boys, he helped with chores in the barn and the fields. He was a member of the Spirit of Moland 4-H Club and raised hogs and sheep for exhibit. He attended Kenyon Public Schools where he was a member of the Future Farmers of America and played baritone horn in band. He had a number of friends in high school who remained friends throughout his life and with whom he later enjoyed weekend fishing trips along with his son. He briefly attended Rochester Community College following graduation from Kenyon High School in 1964. Jim enlisted in the U.S. Army in August 1966. In February 1967 he was sent to Vietnam, where he served as a faithful correspondent with his family, recounting his many daily, often unsettling, wartime experiences half way around the world. He served in the First Cavalry Infantry Division where he saw significant combat action, primarily in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. In the autumn of 1967 he was "walking point" with his platoon when he stepped into a booby trap of punji stakes (sharpened sticks soaked in poison, placed in the ground at ankle height and camouflaged in tall grasses) that pierced his leg causing severe injury. He was medevacked by helicopter to Japan where he spent several months in recovery. On January 1, 1968, he returned to Kenyon, to the great joy and relief of his family. He finished his service as a drill sergeant in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Among the medals he earned for his service were four Purple Hearts. After fulfilling his military commitment, Jim entered the field of law enforcement and began his career with the Minnesota State Patrol as a trooper candidate in State Patrol School. He excelled early and graduated first in his class. He served as a state trooper in Dodge and Olmstead counties until his retirement. On October 17, 1970, Jim married Patricia Ann Dengler, daughter of Raymond and Myrtle Dengler of West Concord. On September 6, 1979, Jim and Pat welcomed Bradley James Hildebrandt into the world. Brad and his dad shared a strong relationship and enjoyed many of the same interests, including watching sports, discussing automobiles and playing golf. Jim was known as a skilled woodworker and never failed to impress friends and family with his perfectly crafted pieces ranging from candle holders and magazine racks to a dining room set to the home he and Pat built in Mantorville, Minn., after retirement. He also proved to be an excellent gardener and raised some outstanding perennials. An animal lover, Jim had two favorite pets: a cat named Boot, and the family's dog, Nika. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Pat, of Mantorville; son, Brad, of Kasson; sisters Joan Higinbotham of Northfield and Sherri Hildebrandt of St. Paul;, brother-in-law Art Higinbotham of Northfield, and Dengler family members Katherine (Lynn) Finne of Dodge Center; Chris (Dean) Krukow of Rochester; Mike (Wendy) Dengler of Byron and David Dengler of West Concord; many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. Jim was preceded in death by his parents and parents-in-law. Due to COVID-19 precautions, graveside services will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 14, 2020, in the Saint Vincent de Paul Cemetery, West Concord, Minn., with military honors provided by the Kenyon Color Guard. Barring continuing pandemic considerations, a celebration of Jim's life is planned for next summer.