James Michael Libera

James Michael Libera
1967 – 2022

Libera, James Michael (Jim) of St. Louis Park, MN peacefully passed away on
7 August 2022 at the age of 55, after courageously and valiantly battling cancer
for four years with unwavering optimism and perseverance.
Born 15 April 1967 to George and Dolores (Dee) Libera, Jim grew up in
Rochester, MN. He graduated from Lourdes High School in 1985 and went to
the University of St Thomas, St Paul, MN, where he received a BS in criminal
justice in 1989.
In 2005, he married Kristine Martin, his best friend and devoted wife of 17
years. Kristine and Jim met through their belief in social justice, when they
participated in a retreat on how to provide integrated services in Hennepin
County. Thus began their incredible journey, with many new adventures,
including traveling around the world, trying new fashions and gastronomic
delights. Jim took care of their eccentric animals with great compassion.
Jim worked for the Hennepin County Department of Community Corrections
for 34 years, serving as a director in both juvenile and adult probation.
Jim used his wit and humor to connect with people and made fast friends. He
devoted his life to positively impacting and improving the lives of children and
young adults. He started a basketball team for Somali girls through Eastside
Neighborhood Services (ESNS), Hoops for Somali Girls in 2004, and played
sports with his children and nieces and nephews — coaching their teams, too.
Jim enjoyed life to its fullest with annual snowmobiling trips in northern
Wisconsin and meditative retreats with his father. He was passionate about
cars, owning over 30 in his lifetime — his favorite were Porsches. He took
great joy in bringing happiness to his friends and family, taking notice of the
small joys through candy (licorice, peanut butter M&M’s, and gum balls),
Snickers on the golf course, and weekly flowers for Kristine.
Survived by his wife, Kristine Martin, father to Annika Bjerkness of Nashville,
TN and Anders Bjerkness of Minneapolis, MN, his parents, George and
Dolores Libera of Rochester, Minnesota, sisters, Julie (Greg) Margarit and
Marylee (Jim) Horstmann, brother Peter (Lauren) Libera, Jane Cyrus (partner
to Joe Libera), 9 nieces and nephews, and 5 great nieces and nephews. He was
preceded in death by his brothers Joe Libera and Gregory Libera.

A celebration of Jim’s life will be held on 12 August 2022 at the Church of
Christ the King, 5029 Zenith Ave, S, Minneapolis, at 11am with Rev. Msgr.
Gerald A. Mahon presiding. The visitation will begin at 10 am.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to The Link or Camp Bovey of
Eastside Neighborhood Services.

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