Dr. James 'Jim' Kuusisto Obituary Dr. James H. Kuusisto, Jim, was born on November 6, 1946, in Hibbing, MN, to Howard and Mildred (Lastovich) Kuusisto. His early years were spent in Minneapolis and Roseville, MN. After graduation from Alexander Ramsey High School in 1964, he attended the University of Minnesota Institute of Technology and obtained a BS in Physics in 1968, and his Medical Degree from The University of Minnesota Medical School in 1972. After his Residency in Family Practice Medicine at what is now Regions Hospital in St. Paul, he helped to establish the Brainerd Medical Center (BMC), as one of the founding physicians, in 1975. That same year, he moved his young family north, focusing on his growing medical practice and enjoying life at home in Merrifield, MN. Frequent trips to help build the family cabin in McGregor also included hunting, fishing, and recreation, and visits to nearby Goodland, where he spent many memorable childhood summers, were amongst his fondest experiences. Between spending time in the Twin Cities where his parents and many friends lived, and the Brainerd Lakes Area for his lifelong career in medicine, these themes of being Up North with loved ones and observing the seasonal beauty of Minnesota, of the nature, the lakes, and the land, were a constantly appreciated part of Jim's life. Jim is survived by his beloved family: his high school sweetheart and wife of 56 years, Judy (Goodding), his three cherished children, Kaari, Karl and Mark, his two adored grandchildren, Katja and Kelan, and his Golden Retrievers, Penny and Poppy. He dearly loved his extended family and friends, he treasured his connections with colleagues and staff at BMC, and he greatly valued the countless patients he cared for in his over 42 years as a family physician. He was very proud of his lineage and enjoyed keeping the traditions of his Finnish and Serbian heritage, including saunas, sarmas, and especially SISU, of which he had tremendous amounts right up until his last moments. He relished celebrating holidays with family, especially Christmas, and sang carols with gusto. He will always be remembered for his quick wit and easy laughter, his incredibly keen intelligence and constant pondering of the universe, his deep love of music, his generous spirit, and for being the constantly caring and exceptionally knowledgeable physician, Dr. Kuusisto. James Howard Kuusisto passed away on April 29, 2025, after a brief illness. The family wishes to express a special thanks to the staff at Woodland Good Samaritan and Hospice for the tender care he was given during his last days. Memorials can be made to Minnesota Conservation Volunteer to honor his reverence for the land, and to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital for his devotion to medicine. Jim loved telling stories, and his family hopes you will join us in sharing your memories of Dr. Kuusisto. A celebration of Jim's life will be held at Gathering On 3, in Merrifield, MN, on Thursday, May 8th, from 4 - 7pm, with the Memorial Service beginning at 5pm.