James Marshall Aanestad

James "Jim" Aanestad has taken his last ride on the Potomac River, shot his last hole of golf, and tinkered with his final fix. On Friday December 15th, surrounded by his wife and children, Jim left this life he loved after he suffered a debilitating heart attack earlier in the week. During his nearly 80 years on this earth, Jim lived simply, loved greatly, and served generously with his time and his considerable talents. He was born and raised in Minnesota, but formed deep roots in Southern Maryland, where he lived for most of his adult life. Jim served in the Navy, then graduated from the University of Minnesota. He relocated his family to Maryland, where he went on to earn an MBA from the University of Central Michigan and dedicated nearly 40 years to working at the U.S. Census Bureau. He embraced "retirement" with vigor; enjoying his large family and supporting their activities, traveling, playing golf, creating stained glass works of art, and serving on the boards of both Peace Lutheran Church and the Maryland Veterans Museum at Patriot Park. Jim was masterful and motivated at making repairs to anything that needed fixing. He was curious and kind, and he never met a stranger. When he saw a need or was asked to lend his help, it would be delivered without fail and always with a smile. He was the busiest guy you knew, yet he always, always had time to share a cup of coffee or a glass of wine (or both). He had unmatched energy to live each day, and to help others in a myriad of ways. Anyone who knew Jim knew that his family was his joy above all else. He is survived by many who loved him dearly, including his beloved wife of 57 years and "better half", Arlet, daughters #1/ Krysti McGee (Bill) and #3/ Julie Fowler (Chuck) and sons #2/ Jeff Aanestad (Mary Anne) and #4/ Kevin Aanestad (Julie), 13 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren, as well as his brother Larry Jo "Jody" Aanestad (Linda) of St. Paul, MN. The Aanestad family would be heartened to have friends and family share a celebration of his life together on Friday, December 22nd at the Maryland Veterans Museum at Patriot Park in Newburg, MD from 6-8pm. The funeral service will be held Saturday, December 23rd at Peace Lutheran Church in Waldorf, MD at 1:00pm. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim's honor to one of the organizations he supported in life would be appreciated; Peace Lutheran Church of Waldorf, MD, the Maryland Veterans Museum at Patriot Park in Newburg, MD, or the Cobb Island Volunteer Fire Department and EMS, Charles County, MD.

James Marshall Aanestad

June 8, 1938 - December 15, 2017