James Lee Saunders Jr.

James Lee "Jim" Saunders Jr., age 92, of Montgomery, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, October 2, 2026.

Jim was born on April 26, 1934, in St. Paul, Minnesota, to James Sr. and Winifred (Sutton) Saunders. He attended Monroe High School in St. Paul before proudly serving his country in the United States Army. During his military service, he was stationed in Newfoundland until receiving his honorable discharge. On April 23, 1960, Jim was united in marriage to Georgina "Jean" Kadlec at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Montgomery. Together they established their home in Montgomery and were blessed with five children. They shared 48 years of marriage until Jean's passing on October 18, 2006. Following his military service, Jim owned and operated his own milk route. He later worked for Mobil in New Prague and Montgomery and eventually for Heat & Glo in Montgomery, where he remained until his retirement.

Jim was a hardworking and outgoing man who rarely sat still. He enjoyed "putzing around" and tinkering on vehicles and projects around his home. He loved gathering with friends for coffee and card games and was a longtime member of the Le Center Sportsman Club. In his younger years, Jim enjoyed snowmobiling and spending time hunting and fishing. He raised, bred, and trained English Springer Spaniels for many years. He also enjoyed the challenge of completing 1,000-piece puzzles, and circle words. Above all, Jim cherished time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Jim is survived by his children, James III (Paulette) Saunders of Cohasset, Michael (Holly) Saunders of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Kelly (Paul) Stepka of Le Center, Kathy (Dan) Borchardt of Prior Lake, and Timothy (Cherie) Saunders of Arlington; grandchildren, Jacob Saunders, Josh Saunders, Devin Saunders, Jen (John) Siemieniewski, Becky (Alicia) Edmondson, Allie Stepka (Andrew Cheney), Chris Stepka, Greg (Ty) Borchardt, Kris Borchardt, Nathan Borchardt (Loren Koepke), Bethany Borchardt (Ken), Jonathan Borchardt, Jacob Borchardt, Heather (Jason Jr.) Reiter, C.J. Sickman, and Danny Saunders (Molly Wieland); 16 great-grandchildren, with two more expected; along with many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Jean; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, George and Alvina (Kokatvy) Kadlec; brother, Bob (Gerry) Saunders; sisters, Merri Lou Saunders, Gloria (Bill) Gervais, Sandradee Winter, and Donaleah Saunders; and grandchildren, Markus Saunders and April Saunders.

A Celebration of Jim's Life will be held and announced at a later date. Jim will be laid to rest at Bohemian National Cemetery in Montgomery.

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