James Robert "Jim" Muench, age 64, of Grand Rapids, MN passed away October 17, 2012 at Grand Itasca Hospital surrounded by family and friends. James was a member of the U.S. Army Reserve and National Guard and after trying his hand at different careers, he returned to Grand Rapids and worked at Blandin Paper Company until he retired after 36 years. Getting in touch with Jim from September through October was usually pretty difficult as his passion for grouse and duck hunting kept him in the woods. Jim will be remembered for all the good times with family and friends at his home on Pokegama Lake. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Loraine Muench, a brother, Fred Muench, a brother-in-law, James Thigpen and a nephew, Jason Thigpen. Jim is survived by one daughter, Amy Blomquist of Grand Rapids; five sons, Jeremy Muench (Dawn Anderson) of Hutchinson, MN, Shane Muench (Sandy Komala) of Nashville, TN, Nathan Muench of Watford City, ND, Douglas Groshong of Rosemount, MN, and Eric Thran (Deanne Erickson) of Eau Claire, WI. 18 grandchildren: Taiya, Jason, Seth, Tanner, Josh, Madison, Sam, Hannah, Maxwell, Cody, Tyler, Travon, Ashley, Logan, Gavin, Mekhi, Jordan and Ashton; one sister, Karen Thigpen of Las Vegas, NV; one brother, Dennis Muench (Elana Fustin) of Buffalo Grove, IL; two nephews, Jehrome Thigpen and Joshua Muench; one niece, Melissa Muench; and special friends, Michelle Rich, Dion Duell and Patricia York.