James Herbert Hudson

James Herbert Hudson — beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, veteran, and friend — departed this life on August 20, 2026, at Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, surrounded by his daughters. He was 79 years old. Jim left this world doing what he loved most — riding his motorcycle on his last ride to Sturgis — and he leaves behind a legacy of courage, devotion, and an extraordinary capacity for love.

Jim was born on November 3, 1946, in Worthington, Minnesota, to John and Ellen Hudson. He grew up in Worthington alongside his sister, JoEllen, building friendships that would define him for a lifetime. It was in those early years in Worthington that Jim first crossed paths with Linda Peterson — the woman who would become his wife of 53 years and the love of his life.

Jim graduated from Worthington Senior High School in 1965, and on July 5, 1968, he married Linda. The newlyweds had little time before the world called Jim away: just ten days after their wedding, he was on his way to Vietnam. Jim would laugh and say that he and Linda never fought during their entire first year of marriage — because he was overseas. Jim was drafted into the United States Army in 1968, serving as a proud member of Company A, 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division. From February 1968 to June 1969, he served in Vietnam with distinction — performing acts of bravery that few could match and even fewer would speak of. Jim was a modest man who rarely discussed his wartime service, letting his medals tell the story his humility would not. Among the honors Jim received for his service were the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with three Bronze Service Stars, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Army Commendation Medal for Expert Rifle, and the Silver Star Medal, one of the U.S. Army's highest honors.

Jim was fortunate to return home. Following an honorable discharge from the United States Army in 1970 — after a final station in Texas — he came back to Minnesota, carrying with him a quiet strength that those who knew him could always sense. After his military service, Jim and Linda settled in the Mankato area while Jim pursued his education, earning a degree in Business from Mankato State University. Upon graduation, the couple returned to Worthington, where Jim joined his father, Jack, at Hudson Brothers Construction and later at Worthington Ready Mix.

Jim and Linda raised their two daughters, Nichole and Holly, in Worthington, Minnesota. Together, the family was deeply woven into the fabric of their community. Jim was a faithful member of First Lutheran Church, the Elks Lodge, the American Legion, and the Worthington Masons/Eastern Star. He and Linda created a lifetime of extraordinary memories alongside their remarkable group of lifelong friends.

In retirement, Jim and Linda moved to the Twin Cities metro area to be closer to their daughters and grandchildren. Jim poured his heart into watching his grandchildren grow — cheering at sporting events, savoring milestones, and watching them become the adults they are today. His greatest late-in-life joy was his great-granddaughter, Rheya Lindquist, whom he adored completely.

Jim's other great love in retirement was the open road. He rode his Harley Trike every chance the Minnesota weather allowed, feeling most alive with the wind at his back. He lived his final days as he lived every day — fully, joyfully, and on his own terms. We take comfort in knowing that he loved his family and friends with his whole heart and left us as a happy man who lived an amazing life.

Jim is lovingly survived by his daughters, Nichole (Eric) Lindquist and Holly (Chad) Bryngelson; his grandchildren, Tyler (Cassidy) Lindquist, Ellen (Tristan) Lindquist, Jack Bryngelson, and Trigg Bryngelson; his great-granddaughter, Rheya Lindquist; and his niece, Kelly Peterson. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, John and Ellen Hudson; his sister, JoEllen; his wife, Linda (Peterson) Hudson; and Linda's parents and siblings. 

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Elks Lodge in Worthington, Minnesota on November 7, 2026.
Times and additional details are forthcoming.
All who knew Jim are welcome to come celebrate his extraordinary life with us.

No flowers, gifts, or memorials are necessary. 
Spending time with his friends and family is all Jim could ever ask.