James (Jim) Patrick Vandal, 79, of Byron, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on September 14, 2026, at Fairview Care Center in Dodge Center, MN.

Jim was born in Rochester, Minnesota, on March 6, 1947, to Wilfred Joseph "Fritz" and Lula Mae "Judy" (Corliss) Vandal. He graduated from John Marshall High School in 1966.

In 1977 Jim married Ruth Elaine Newer at their country home near Salem Corners, south of Byron, MN. For many years Jim and Ruth enjoyed annual summer vacations, visiting family and camping in their El Camino. They maintained close ties with their large, extended local family, gathering several times each year for various celebrations.

Jim and Ruth also treasured meeting family and friends for Saturday breakfasts. After retirement they would often travel to nearby towns for brunches and leisurely walks or shopping for souvenirs and trinkets. Anywhere he went, like his dad before him, Jim enjoyed talking with folks he met about life, cars, and the world. Over the years, he and Ruth met and formed lasting friendships with many wonderful people in the Rochester/Byron region.

Jim worked various jobs before joining KTTC-TV, eventually becoming a master control room engineer for 27 years. His early morning shifts at the TV station allowed him time to run his own businesses in the afternoons. For 9 years he owned and operated Royal Flush Septic Service, with his robust sense of humor showing in the company’s slogan “A Royal Flush beats a Full House.” After selling the septic business, Jim spent about 5 years buying, repairing, and selling salvage cars, proudly restoring them and adding his creative flair to their paint and detailing. After retiring from KTTC-TV, Jim considered options over about 18 months before beginning an 18-year career at Olmsted County Recycling Center, with his final retirement in 2014.

Jim always loved the outdoors and country lifestyle. He enjoyed riding motorcycles and snowmobiles in his youth and would hunt deer with his dad and brothers. He also enjoyed hunting ducks, rabbits and squirrels. Jim was an avid collector of antiques, curios, and memorabilia.

Jim is survived by his wife, Ruth; his only daughter (previous marriage), Denise Anne (Kurt) Vandal; his only grandson, Andrew Asleson; his sister Rosemary (John) Lyman of Montana, and numerous nephews, nieces, and grandnephews and grandnieces. He was preceded in death by his parents and four brothers, Jerry, David, Wayne and Dale.

A Memorial Gathering for Jim will be held on Sunday, September 27, 2026, from 10:00AM until 12:00PM in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home. A Luncheon will follow.

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.