James Gardner Kent, age 73, of Grand Rapids, MN passed away Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at his residence.

James "Jim" was born on September 23, 1952, in Portland, Oregon, one of three sons of Nicolas Gardner and Ruth (Romans) Kent. He attended Vacaville High School in Vacaville, California, then went on to Humboldt State University in Arcata, California. While in college, Jim worked as a police officer to help pay his tuition. He later earned the Degree of Master of Business Administration and Management from Golden Gate University in San Francisco, California.

Jim met his future wife, Donna Cook, in Vacaville at the Coffee Tree. They were united in marriage April 21, 1979, in Monterey, California. Jim and Donna moved to Grand Rapids, Minnesota in the mid-80's and their daughter Savannah was born in 1990.  Jim taught accounting at Itasca Community College and began working at Blandin Paper Company where he retired as the mill's controller.

Jim enjoyed cooking, was a wine connoisseur, and was active in the Grand Rapids Gourmet Club. In his retirement he and Donna loved road tripping around the country along with "the boys" (his dogs Mayer and Maverick).

Jim is survived by his wife of 47 years, Donna; daughter Savannah (Ben); brother Ed (Linda); nephews Nick (Ed and Linda's son), and Zach (Larry's son). He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother Larry.

A Celebration of Life Gathering will begin at 1:00 PM and will conclude with a service of remembrance & sharing at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at Rowe Funeral Home in Grand Rapids, MN.

In lieu of flowers the family would like you to consider planting a tree in Jim's memory. (https://shop.alivingtribute.org/products/plant-a-tree-california)