James David Bedeau, Sr., age 79, “Naazhakiibines” which is about the “Bird That Flies Down to the Earth” of the Awaasisii Clan and Onigum, Minnesota journeyed to the spirit world on Sunday, December 23, 2018 from his home. He was born on January 3, 1939 in Onigum, MN to Mary Jane Pell and Joseph Bedeau. Jim loved helping people, joking and telling stories, powwows, and fishing; and what a fisherman he was!
He fed so many people with his catch. He was a beautiful traditional dancer. Jim loved all young people.
He had so many memories and stories of his “little guys” that traveled to powwows with him. He was a talented bustle maker and enjoyed creating regalia for dancing. Jim was a teacher and traditional man who was a fluent first language speaker.
He always said, “it is important to learn and continue to use Ojibwemowin to live a good life”. He loved babies – all the babies! In his later years he enjoyed sitting his chair doing crosswords, drinking coffee from his favorite coffee cup, from his favorite coffee pot, which he never washed out “to keep that good flavor”, with his little birds and red squirrels that he fed at his window.
Jim loved his language and his Ojibwe heritage but most importantly, he loved his people. He will be remembered by the many stories of love, kindness and respect. Family that welcomes James to the spirit world are his parents; Mary Jane Pell and Joseph Bedeau, daughter; Jackie Dawn Bedeau, twin infant daughter and son, mom and baba; Maggie and John King, special moms; Jenny Smith and Rose McKee, sisters; Nancy Cash and Kathleen Munnell-Headbird, brother; Joe Bedeau, special brothers; Mickey Norris and Harold Monroe and several other relatives.
He leaves behind his wife; Pauline Bedeau of Onigum, daughters; Michelle Nickaboine of Mille Lacs, Josie (Shawn) Pederson of Gonvick, Jodi (Karl) Klammer of Bemidji, Maggie Rose (Denis) Bedeau of Superior, WI, Mary (Sharif) Bedeau of Hopkins and Clarinda Waybenais of Cass Lake, son; James “Jimmy Doo” Bedeau, Jr. of Onigum, Mike (Ashley) Chosa of Onigum and Matthew Chosa of Onigum, brother; Robert Bedeau, many grandchildren and great grandchildren, many who knew him for their we’eh, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and family members. A wake for James will begin at 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 26th and continue until his 11:00 a.m. traditional service on Thursday, December 27th all being held at the Onigum Community Center at Onigum, MN. Allen Hardy will be his Spiritual Advisor.
Pallbearers for James will be Shawn Butcher, Robin Jordan, Jr., Jeremy Ince, Matthew Chosa, Jimmy Bedeau, Jr., Micah Londo, Ken Fox, Karl Klammer and Norman Lawrence. His honorary pallbearers are his Dance Group. Interment will be in Old Agency Catholic Cemetery at Old Agency, MN.
In keeping with traditional ways, the family requests no cut flowers, live plants are ok. James’ care has been entrusted to Northern Peace Funeral Home of Walker. Online condolences for the family may be left at www.
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