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James “Jim Bear” Colum

Posted By Ballard Sunder Funeral Home On June 14, 2021 @ 2:33 pm In 2021,Obituaries | 14 Comments

WEB Jim Bear Colum

James “Jim Bear” Colum, of Prior Lake, passed away suddenly on Saturday, June 12, 2021 at the age of 54. He was a loving husband, father, son, brother & friend. He will be missed by all who loved him.

Private family service will be held locally in Jim Bear’s honor. The “All My Relations Community” founded by Jim Bear and Kathleen in Joliet, Illinois will be honoring Jim Bear on Saturday, June 26, 2021 with songs, prayers and a lodge. For details, please contact Kathleen directly at (815) 439-8022 (home office number). In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred and can be made to the following charities: NARF Donation Form, NAIITS – Support, or Donate to The Trevor Project.

When “Jim Bear” Colum formally introduced himself to his wife Kimmi during their wedding ceremony in February 2020, he first gave her his given name “James Edward Colum” and then his traditional name “Wamakaskin Changu” which loosely translates in Lakota to “Path of the Bear.” Jim’s introduction of his two selves is a fitting analogy of his entire life and the duality he always embraced. He often seemed to have one part of his body and/or spirit in two worlds at the same time. You can see it, hear it and feel it when you spend time with him.

As a licensed massage therapist, Jim gave comfort and relaxation through his hands, but was also able to draw upon his inner senses to know what someone needed without them saying a word, he often knew what they needed before they did.

In his daily life, you would also notice the duality of his world. For instance, he is incredibly passionate about game play and spent countless hours developing and honing his talent playing some of the most complicated board/card games on the planet. Dungeons & Dragons was only the beginning. With Magic The Gathering, there was an entirely new level of complexity that required the most focused attention to intricate details and layers. He could and did play with some of the best and only craved more.

On the other hand, he was called to an entirely different reality as a respected practitioner of Native American-inspired ceremonies that celebrated the most simple and profound understanding of the interconnectedness of all life. He experienced his spirituality in ways rooted in ancient practices that allowed him access to the spirits that lead the way long before him. He devoted his energy, time and attention to excellence and learning, becoming a veteran Sun Dancer and a leader in the ceremonial community. He loved to teach others and mentored many as he continued to grow and learn along his own path. He identified his spirit animal as the Polar Bear, an ancient and powerful totem associated with death and rebirth as well as transformation and the ability to navigate earth’s energy lines.

Jim Bear also saw others through a dual lens. He recognized people’s strengths and enjoyed them without demanding anything from them. It truly didn’t matter to him how they looked, or talked or conducted their lives. He was absolutely accepting and fair. He made no assumptions about what you should or shouldn’t do or be because of your race, gender, religion, politics or any of that. He also had the ability to look past the outward veneer and see you as you are beneath, providing the energy and support you need before you really knew you needed it. This was his special gift, one he gave willingly and without strings attached. You need only to get to know his daughter Shayla to see that this gift has survived his earthly passing.

Jim Bear was compassionate and caring, and above all, a family man. He wished for and influenced his family to be the absolute best they could. Jim’s pride and joy was Shayla for many years. He would BEAM when he spoke of her and so enjoyed sharing her accomplishments and when Jim spoke of his growing family his excitement was contagious! He spoke of the honor of having another daughter and a son through his marriage to a woman that he described as his other half that made him whole and complete. Jim didn’t just see Kim’s kids as his own, they were his own in his heart. As a father, he encouraged them to create their own path. He provided encouragement and support to Amber to be herself during a difficult time in her life. He helped to build Jacob’s confidence in the kitchen, nurturing his natural curiosity and abilities. He fostered a growing sibling relationship between Shayla, Amber and Jacob. No matter what was going on in his life, he made time to be with his family, it was his number one priority.

The most tragic duality was that while his heart was vast and generous, that it was kind and giving, it was also physically limited. Perhaps his earthly heart couldn’t keep up with his desire to give and maybe he simply needed to move to a place with more capacity. A place like that is not found on earth and he will be greatly missed. Jim Bear believed that after leaving his earthly body he would begin a journey to join the ancestors, and there is little doubt he would enjoy that journey with the same enthusiasm, joy and humility with which he enjoyed his short time here on earth.

We will all miss you Jim Bear!!

He now lives on in the heart of his wife, Kim Colum; daughter, Shayla Colum; step-children, Amber Superfine and Jacob Superfine; mother, Erna Colum; brother, Art (Karen) Colum; ceremonial partner, Kathleen (Jim) Lee; other loving relatives and many dear friends. Jim is preceded by his father, Earl Colum.

 

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Condolences for the family of “James “Jim Bear” Colum”

Condolence from Corey Jones on June 14th, 2021 7:09 pm

Condolences to your entire family Kim. Jim was a great man and excellent husband to you.

Condolence from Jean Lazarus and Allen Brown on June 15th, 2021 6:33 pm

We are sending much love and many prayers to all of Jim Bear’s family. Jim bear was a beautiful and supportive member of our community and we’ll miss him a lot.
Sincerely,
Jean and Allen

Condolence from Miel & Héctor Arredondo on June 15th, 2021 10:19 pm

Both myself, and my husband send our regards. We will always remeber a winter lodge together at the Crompound! I always appreciated Jim Bear’s kindness, generosity, and willingness. We send prayers for his journey home. As well as for his family~ may you know and feel his spirit always. Our deep condolences, for your sudden loss. Prayers that you feel the support from community and reach out if you need to any time down the road. With a lot of love we will hold his memory in our hearts.

Condolence from Chill on June 16th, 2021 7:16 am

Love ya bro! You have the purest Heart, man! Love your songs! Love your stories! Love You, Jim Bear! You had to go through a tough tough life and You always kept a Heart of Joy and Peace. You are a True Friend and now that You have joined the place where ancestors live, thank you for being a good friend, I love You, Man. Keep on singing!

Condolence from Jessica Parker on June 16th, 2021 2:23 pm

All the prayers in the world can’t bring him back… just hoping they can bring you and the family some comfort during your time of loss. I truly feel for you!
Love you
Jessica

Condolence from Aslana on June 16th, 2021 2:34 pm

Ii worked with jim bear for many years and knew him through ceremony as well. He was always a great friend to all! A defender of what is just right and true. Im glad he found his hearts happiness with kimmi . And shayla is a believed amazing woman I watched her grow. Love to all of you.

Condolence from Paul Barrett on June 16th, 2021 3:01 pm

Thank you for your life your life choices and the way you walked them Jim Bear. My love and condolences to your friends and family for their loss. Prayers on the wind for your useful Spirit journey. Rest in peace.

Condolence from Nina on June 16th, 2021 10:00 pm

I send my condolences to the family, and I hope you continue to see the ripples Jim Bear has created through the families and communities he has touched. I met him through ceremony and he seemed to be loved by every person that knew him and his heart. He will be missed for sure.

Condolence from Amy Melton-White on June 16th, 2021 10:02 pm

Eric and I send our condolences . Jim was a selfless, kind soul and he will be missed. We were fortunate to spend time with him and to work along side him with our spiritual community. He worked hard and kindly shared his vast array of knowledge and skill. Prayers with love to his family, and Shayla.

Condolence from Kathryn A Brown on June 17th, 2021 12:28 am

I am sad to know that I will not see Jim Bear again here on earth. He accepted people without judgment and was consistently generous and kind. He was a personal example to me of warmth, humor, dedication, and humor. He trusted Spirit and showed many people the path to a deeper, brighter, sparkling life. My heart goes out to the beautiful Shayla, who was the light of his life. I will always remember you.

Condolence from Kim close on June 17th, 2021 8:10 am

Jim bear lived a life of service. In conversations with his many friends over the past couple of days I heard endless stories of his selfless acts. We will never know the true impact of the good works that Jim Bear dedicated his life to. He never spoke of these, never bragged, just did the work in a humble way. He is an example to all who knew him and prayed with him. I am comforted to know that he is on the other side, aiding in our prayers from the other side, just as he did in life. Jim Bears great big ol heart will be greatly missed.

Condolence from Jean Zimmerman on June 17th, 2021 4:36 pm

Kim and family,
I am so sorry for your loss! I didn’t know Jim long, but he was a special, gentle soul. He will live on in your hearts. Cherish those memories!

Condolence from Nathaniel D. on June 17th, 2021 10:43 pm

I did not know Jim long but he welcomed a kinship with me that was so warm that it felt like I had known him for eternity. Toksa akhe, Kola.

Condolence from Marilyn Curski on June 18th, 2021 5:39 pm

Kim,
I’m very sorry to hear of your husband’s passing, Just wanted to let you know that I’m thinking of you and all your family.
Marilyn Curski

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