Halls, James Arnett age 88 of Phoenix, AZ, formerly of Minneapolis, MN, passed away peacefully Sunday November 12th at the Sherman Home Hospice in Phoenix, AZ surrounded by his loving family. Born on November 22, 1928 in Ellsworth, WI, Jim was the son of the late Hilda and Oscar Halls, the fifth of their eight children. He was predeceased by his son, Steven James Halls and six of his siblings. He is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Elaine Halls, his brother Halsey Halls, two sons, Peter (Jan) of Edina, MN and Jon (Jenzy) of Trumbull, CT, his daughter-in-law Karen Jenkins of Johns Creek, GA, as well as eight grandchildren, Laura (Andrew), Sarah (Joe), Karen, Michael, Kevin, Christy, Brian, and Tori, and a host of treasured nieces and nephews. Jim received a degree in Journalism from the University of Wisconsin, and upon graduation was immediately drafted and served in Korea with U. S. Army during the Korean War from 1951 to 1953. He achieved the rank of Sergeant and was honorably discharged. Upon his return to the states he worked as the editor of the Ellsworth Record in Ellsworth, WI until entering the University of Wisconsin Law School in 1954, the same year he and Elaine were married. After graduating from law school in 1957, Jim began working for the law firm of Faegre & Benson in Minneapolis (now Faegre Baker Daniels) and worked there until his retirement in 1990, retiring as the firm's Managing Partner. Jim was also a staunch supporter and leader of many other local and national organizations including serving as the corporate Secretary for Norwest National Bank (now Wells Fargo), member of the Board of Directors of Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum, "Boss" of Torske Klubben, Trustee of the American Lutheran Church, Trustee and Chairman of the Board for the Institute for Ecumenical and Cultural Research at Collegeville, Chairman of the Banking Law Committee of the Minnesota State Bar Association, Chairman of the Lawyers Division of the Minneapolis United Way, member of the Board of Directors of Lutheran Mutual Life Insurance (now CUNA Mutual Life Insurance), and member of the Board of Directors of Rowpar Pharmaceuticals. Jim, an avid golfer most of his life, was a member of Interlachen Golf Club in Minneapolis and Desert Mountain in Scottsdale. He taught his sons to play golf, but not well enough that they could ever beat him. Every summer for over 50 years he took his family to Ruttger's Bay Lake Lodge in Deerwood, MN where he, his wife and sons, their wives, grandchildren and lifelong family friends would spend time creating memories that have become part of a treasured family tradition. Jim was known for his caring and even-keeled approach to life and his love and support of friends and family. He touched and improved the lives of many around him, giving generously of his time, counsel and leadership. His ability to focus on the essential elements of an issue, maintain a sense of humor regardless of the situation, while always trying to do the right thing were hallmarks of his work ethic and the contributions he made to the world around him. Funeral Service Friday, December 8, at 11:00 AM at Central Lutheran Church, 333 South 12th Street, Minneapolis, MN. Visitation one hour prior to the service at church. Memorials preferred to Central Lutheran Church Foundation, Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum or to Norway House.