James Earl McEnaney, MD, 85, Owatonna, MN was called to the Lord on August 29, 2015. He had very recently moved to Wayzata, MN to be closer to his family.
Jim was born on March 3, 1930 in North St. Paul, MN and moved to Owatonna at a young age as his Father relocated to establish a medical practice. Jim graduated from Owatonna High School in 1948, from the University of St. Thomas in 1952 and from the St. Louis University Medical School in 1956.
Jim married Patricia Ann Ryan on June 11, 1955 in Arlington Heights, IL. Together, Jim and Pat lovingly raised their seven children. Jim first met Pat in Brainerd, MN as the two families were neighbors on Gull Lake. Following their marriage, the coupled lived in St. Louis, MO for two years as Jim completed medical school and post-graduate work. They then lived in Seattle, WA for two years while Jim served as a captain in the U.S. Army Medical Corp. Upon Jim's discharge from the Army in 1959, the couple moved back to Owatonna where Jim continued with the medical practice begun by his father and began a long time association with his friend and colleague Dr. Adrian Floersch. He was later joined by Dr. John Henry before completing his career at the Owatonna Clinic Urgent Care. In addition, Jim was privileged at one point to serve as Hospital Chief of Staff.
Jim took great pride in his work as a physician and for always putting his patients first. He had an infectious smile, a hearty laugh, a kind heart and a warm, caring nature to all those who knew him.
Jim had many interests but loved everything Owatonna, Ireland and University of St. Thomas related. He was an avid supporter of the community, loved meeting with his friends in town, loved the various high school athletic teams, particularly the hockey and football teams and loved attending band concerts around town. He loved his Irish heritage and was fortunate to make two trips to Ireland with family members. In addition to his duties as a physician, he "moonlighted as a newspaper reporter" for the Owatonna People's Press covering the youth hockey teams under the pen name "Old Doc Puckish" during the years his children were active in the program. He was a very active supporter of his beloved alma mater, the University of St. Thomas, volunteering at many University functions and serving as a member of the Alumni Board of Directors. He was also very proud to be a recipient of the Monsignor James Lavin Award for volunteer service to the Alumni Association. He was also very active in his own community through the years including involvement with the Chamber of Commerce, Patient and Family Advisory Council, Rotary Club, Elks Club, Steele County Food Shelf, Children's Remedial Fund and the Dam Preservation Corp. He was an avid outdoor enthusiast, growing up fishing and hunting and continuing to do so throughout his life. Along with Pat, he enjoyed greatly enjoyed birds and flowers.
Jim's greatest source of joy came from his own family; especially being a loving father and grandfather doting over their exploits. Jim and Pat enjoyed many happy times with family at home, at Gull Lake in Brainerd and West Bearskin Lake on the Gunflint Trail. They also came to love Florida in the winter months. Jim was a long time member of St. Joseph Catholic Church.
Survivors include children, Michael McEnaney of Bloomington, MN; Kathleen Timberg of Mound, MN; Robert (& Terri) McEnaney of Woodbury, MN; Erin (& David) Grieves of Baldwinsville, NY; John McEnaney of Mound, MN; Brian McEnaney of Edina, MN; Peter McEnaney of Eagle River, AK; twelve grandchildren, Michael Grieves; Megan Grieves; Ryan McEnaney; Joey McEnaney; Danny McEnaney; Megan McEnaney; Madison McEnaney; Ty McEnaney; Leah McEnaney; Will Timberg; Pete Timberg; Lou Timberg; two sisters, Patricia Cook of Sauk Rapids and Jeanne (& Jerry) Belisle of St. Paul. Jim was preceded in death by his wife Patricia, Sister Mary (Mur), Brother-In-Law Dr. Richard Cook and his parents.
Friends may greet the family from 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm on Thursday, September 3, 2015 at the Brick-Meger Funeral Home (1603 Austin Rd., Owatonna) There will be a Knights of Columbus Rosary at 8:00 pm. There will be an hour visitation prior to the Mass at the Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 am on Friday, September 4 at St. Joseph Catholic Church (512 S. Elm St, Owatonna). Interment will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Military honors will be provided by the Steele County Funeral Unit.
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