James “Jim” Organist

James “Jim” Organist aka “Orca,” 64, passed away November 19, 2025 at St. Pete’s Hospital in Helena, Mont. from a sudden illness.

Born in Houghton, Mich. but lived and grew up all over Wisconsin, going to high school in Minocqua and Hudson. His fraternal grandparents; Max and Wilda, having a home in Mercer.

Jim was an avid hunter, master angler, musician, artist and auto restorer. He was a Navy veteran, having served from 1982-1986 as an AQ specialist specializing in maintaining complex aircraft weapons and radar, stationed aboard the USS Carl Vinson.

He was honorably discharged and worked for the FAA serving as an air traffic controller at airports in Juneau, Alaska; Redding, Calif.; and retiring at Red Wing, Minn.

Jim was survived by his son Max, mother Therese Organist, brother Richard Organist, sister Kathleen (Corey) Nolan, and nieces, nephews, cousins and friends and best friend Bobby Noviello. 

He was preceeded in death by his father Gene Organist.

Jim has been cremated and the family will hold a memorial May 16, at 11 a.m. at St. Isaac’s Catholic Church in Mercer.