by Jim Schwartz

AS ANY LAKESHORE owner soon learns, it is a great boon to have someone available who can help with the many tasks involved in caring for lake property. Such a person for many Ten Milers was Jim Petrie, a Hackensack resident, who was the handyman they called upon when certain kinds of work needed doing. Whether it was felling trees, mowing yards, raking leaves, hauling brush, painting buildings, transplanting trees or bushes, setting a dock, repairing a balky pump, or any of a host of other chores, Jim could get the job done.

This past winter on January 6, Jim died of a heart attack at his home. He was 50. Jim graduated from Northland High School and worked for the Remer Timber Company for 13 years. More recently he had become a valued helper for Ten Mile Lake residents who needed the kind of services that Jim could offer. He will be sorely missed, not alone for his considerable skills, but also for his wry sense of humor and his cheerful and winning personality.

Jim is survived by a sister, Wilma Nickels.

Bob and Cheris Garrison, summer residents of Batcheller Bay, and Jim's numerous employers and friends have proposed a memorial fund in Jim's name through the Ten Mile Lake Association. Contributions may be designated for the James W. Schwartz Environmental Preservation Fund or for whatever purpose the donor specifies. Donations may be sent to

TMLA, Box 412, Hackensack, MN. 56452

Please specify "Jim Petrie Memorial" on your check.

See also prior news article.