Limburg, James W. Died peacefully on November 29, 2021 at St. Marys Hospital in Rochester, MN. He was born in Redwood Falls on March 2, 1935, to Stanley & Ella (Groote) Limburg. Jim learned to play trombone at an early age, a skill he carried with him throughout his life. After graduating from Redwood Falls High School in 1952, Jim enrolled at Luther College in Decorah, IA where he met Martha Ylvisaker during band tryouts. They both graduated college in 1956 and were married one year later. Jim loved to tell stories, especially in front of a captive audience, so naturally he became a teacher. His first classroom assignments were music and math at Ellendale High School, where he also directed the band. Following a memorable year in the public school system, Jim decided to pursue graduate studies in theology. He and Martha moved to the Twin Cities, where Jim attended Luther Seminary, graduating in 1961. He went on to receive his PhD from Union Theological Seminary in Richmond, Virginia, in 1968 and was later ordained into the Lutheran ministry. A lifelong learner, Jim pursued post-doctoral training at the University of Michigan, Heidelberg University, and Harvard University, focusing on the Old Testament and biblical linguistics. Jim received his first call in the ministry to join the faculty at Augustana College in Sioux Falls, SD where he stayed for 16 years, chairing an outstanding Religion department and establishing his well-deserved reputation as a creative, engaging instructor. In 1978, Jim accepted his second call from Luther Seminary in St. Paul, MN, where he served on the Old Testament faculty for more than two decades. Over the years, Jim and Martha enjoyed many sabbatical trips to Germany, spending time at leading theological institutions in Heidelberg, Tuebingen, Munich, and Muenster where he authored commentaries on the Old Testament prophets, including a volume on the book of Jonah. He also published a book on Ecclesiastes and two books on the Psalms. After retiring from Luther Seminary, Jim found new teaching opportunities as a visiting professor at Pacific Lutheran Seminary in Berkeley, CA, and as a part-time assistant pastor at Living Waters Lutheran Church in North Port, FL. His passion for teaching was always immediately evident, succinctly summarized by a former student: "He always made learning fun." Jim's great loves were his family, teaching, music and Woman Lake, his favorite place on earth, which served as the main character for his only non-theological book, entitled "The Other Woman". When not writing or playing the trombone at Woman Lake, Jim could most often be found in his 16-foot Lund fishing boat, cruising the waters and scanning the skies to marvel at the beauty of swimming loons, soaring eagles, and other majestic species that share this special environment. Jim was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife Martha (Ylvisaker), his brother Peter (Susan) Limburg and sister Mary (Glenn) Payne; his children Kristi (Dan) Berkland, David (Laura), Mark, Paul (Cora); grandchildren Kai Limburg, Elin Limburg, Mara Berkland, Ben Limburg and Laney Limburg, and nieces and nephews. A service of remembrance will be held at Zumbro Lutheran Church on December 20 at 1:00 p.m. with visitation at 12 p.m. Memorials may be made to Luther Seminary, Luther College, and Augustana University student scholarship funds.