"Life is like a painting. It starts with a dream and a blank canvas and it's anybody's guess how it will turn out. Then brushstroke by brushstroke with time and care, something beautiful starts to take shape and you have then created a masterpiece." Jim Killen

The masterpiece that was Jim Killen's earthly life began on January 22, 1934, and ended in the early hours of January 6, 2024 at home, surrounded by his loving wife, four children, and the woods that he called home.

Jim came from simple beginnings. Born to a baker and his wife in Montevideo, Minnesota. He was the second of six children, and from the young age of 11 lived with area farmers to work their land and earn money to help support his family. He returned home at the age of 15 to assist his father in the bakery reporting to work every morning at 2 AM to bake and deliver goods to local businesses of St. James, Minnesota. He graduated from Jackson High School and was captain of the basketball and track teams.

After high school, Jim took the Forest Service's exam and hitchhiked his way to Park Rapids to begin work as a Park Ranger. When he learned he could not advance as a Park Ranger without a college degree he enrolled at Mankato State Teachers College (now known as Minnesota State University, Mankato) where he took an interest in psychology and industrial arts. He was recruited to run track and was Minnesota's College Champion in the mile run. His 4:19 time earned him the right to compete at Nationals in Abilene, Texas. He graduated in 1957 with honors with a Bachelor of Science in Art. In 1999, Jim was formally recognized with a Distinguished Alumni Award by Minnesota State University, Mankato.

Following graduation, he was hired by Jostens and was almost immediately drafted by the Army, reporting to Fort Carson, Colorado. He eventually transferred to the United States Correctional Barracks at Fort Leavenworth to be part of the Psychology Department. While stationed at Fort Leavenworth, he met Karen Hite, whom he married on November 7, 1959. Following his military duties and honorable discharge, Jim returned to Jostens to build an impactful career as Art Director. He was proud to have designed many rings that are still being offered today and collaborated on the creation of the 1980 Olympic medals.

In 1974, Jim made the decision to pursue his career as a full-time wildlife artist which led to many international, national, and U.S. State honors. In 1997, Jim received the Jefferson Award by the American Institute for Public Service in recognition of his outstanding community service and was inducted into the U.S. Art Hall of Fame. In 2014, he was inducted into the Minnesota Waterfowl Association Hall of Fame. Jim was a three-time Ducks Unlimited International Artist of the Year and won in excess of 20 State duck and pheasant stamps. The Lac qui Parle Waterfowl Refuge is named after Jim and Karen. Jim's contributions of artwork in support of Ducks Unlimited raised over $20 million to preserve wetlands and waterfowl habitat. Pheasants Forever, National Wild Turkey Federation and many other conservation organizations also received generous support from Jim and Karen. The couple built a thriving national business, which included years of travel to various art shows and hunting adventures, resulting in special friendships with many wonderful people.

During his years in Owatonna, Jim was a founding member of the Little Theater of Owatonna. He was active as parishioner, usher, and artistic design contributor at St. Joseph Catholic Church. He designed the Christmas manger scene, the Adoration Chapel stained-glass windows, and contributed significantly to the renovation of the church interior.

For the past 28 years Jim has supported the Boy Scouts of America through the Killen Classic Sporting Clays shoot which has raised in excess of $250,000 and impacts 5000 scouts per year.

Jim was a dedicated conservationist and steward of the land. He planted nearly 40,000 trees and created several ponds, food plots, and habitat for animals at his property in rural Owatonna.

Jim's love and devotion to God was the center of his life. Jim made 44 retreats at the Demontreville Jesuit Retreat House and incorporated prayer and devotions in his daily routine. He was always aware of the presence of God around him and curious to learn more ways to apply Christian principles, gratefulness, and generosity in his life. His trust and confidence in the promise of the resurrection was evident to his last days. As life slipped away during his very brief battle with cancer, Jim did what he had always done during his life – he thanked those around him, expressing his love and blessings in a very personal way.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Myrtle and Harold, as well as his siblings, Adela, Patricia, and Bruce. His siblings David and Barbara survive him. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Karen; his four children: Mark (Ann), Steven (Carol), John (Wendy), Katherine (Larik); 11 grandchildren: Matthew (Lauren), John (Susannah), Georgia (Zach), Cameron (Allison), Brennan, Kyrie (Harrison), John Jr., Henry, Mason, Aidan, Ava. Jim's first great-grandchild is expected to be born on January 12.

Visitation will be at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Owatonna on Saturday from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, January 13, 2024 at 12:00 PM at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Owatonna with Father James Starasinich officiating. Inurnment will be in the Ft. Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis. Jim's funeral Mass can be livestreamed at https://wearelivetoday.com/james-killen.

Memorials are preferred to the Owatonna Art Center, Ducks Unlimited, or St. Joseph Catholic Church.  Links to each organization are as follows:

Ducks Unlimited

https://donate.ducks.org/donateOnlineSecure.aspx?promoKey=MemorialHonorGiving&_gl=1*yv8sb4*_ga*MzU2MDIxODkzLjE3MDU2ODY2Njk.*_ga_2X0ECQZQ09*MTcwNTY4NjY2OC4xLjAuMTcwNTY4NjY2OC42MC4wLjA.&_ga=2.262699084.177943771.1705686669-356021893.1705686669

Owatonna Arts Center

https://www.oacarts.org/take-action

St. Joseph Catholic Church in Owatonna

Clerical/Bookkeeping

TeresaK@stjosephowatonna.org