If you were lucky enough to know Jim Gildersleeve, odds are your life is better for it. If you didn’t know him, this story will make you wish you did.
From his time as a medic in the U.S. Army to his community service across the Bemidji region to his work with patients and families at Sanford Health, Jim spent his life caring for others.
He loved his country, his family and his community. He cheered people on, stood up for others, made people smile and — more than anything — he took the time to make people feel seen, heard and loved. One man whose caring heart made him one in a million.
While Jim passed away in 2023, his caring spirit continues to live on — impacting the lives of people across northern Minnesota — all thanks to the power of philanthropy.
Jim’s Story
After his time in the U.S. Army, where he was a medic on a helicopter rescue unit based in Germany, Jim worked and lived in Nebraska before moving to northern Minnesota with his wife, Marjorie, in 1970. Together and both working full time, they also operated a dairy farm and raised their three daughters, Renee, Pam and Deb. Over the years, they were also foster parents to 28 children.
Growing up, his daughters remember their dad always being active in the community, giving of his time to volunteer at church, helping friends and neighbors and supporting local nonprofits and civic organizations, including the local VA Clinic, DAV organization and was an advocate for the VA home, which was brought to Bemidji.
During the holiday season, he gave of his time in a different way.
With a fluffy white beard, deep laugh, tall frame and infectious spirit, Jim was the perfect person to take on the role of Santa Claus — and he loved doing it. Dressed in a red suit (made by his wife), he visited locations and organizations across the region to spread the magic of Christmas, including the Sanford Medical Center in Bemidji. After he started the tradition, he and his wife would purchase cozy, colorful blankets, which “Santa and his Elf” delivered to each hospital patient every Christmas Eve day.
“He went from room to room. He’d bring little gifts and talk to the patients. He wanted to make sure he met with everyone to make sure each person experienced the joy of Christmas,” his daughters said. “He really got into the character — he’d even make up stories about the reindeers just to make people laugh.” On a few occasions, when Santa’s reindeer “needed to rest,” Jim/Santa arrived at the Medical Center by helicopter — to the absolute delight of local kids (and adults).
Changing Course
After moving off the farm, Jim made the decision to pursue a new direction professionally — one that would allow him to do what he loved most: care for others.
In his early 50s at the time, Jim became a certified nursing assistant (CNA). He worked at a local nursing home before coming to Sanford Health, where he worked until his retirement at age 76.
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It took a lot of courage for our dad to switch jobs — to stick his neck out and reach for his goals, but he loved it. He loved the patients and his colleagues. He called the second floor at Sanford ‘his family.’ Everyone there meant a lot to him.
Over the years, Jim often reflected on his CNA colleagues who aspired to pursue additional education to advance in their careers.
“He just cared about everybody,” his family said.
Case in point: after retiring from Sanford, Jim continued to volunteer at the Medical Center and also volunteered with hospice patients.
“Dad thought of Sanford as a family, and he wanted to keep giving back to his family,” his daughters said. “He never wanted recognition. He was just a humble man who enjoyed life to the fullest and wanted to help others and his community. His good mood and positive personality made an impact on people wherever he went.”
A Legacy of Care Lives On
After Jim passed away in 2023, his family made the decision to establish a scholarship fund in his memory at the Sanford Health Foundation.
The Sanford Health Gildersleeve Family Memorial Scholarship is available to current Sanford Health employees in the Bemidji region who are furthering their education and advancing their careers in health care.
Through the scholarship, the family hopes to empower and inspire the next generation of health care professionals, ensuring the values of service and care continue for years to come.
“This scholarship is about honoring Dad’s dedication to caring for people. He loved his work as a CNA, and we wanted to create a way to give back to the community that meant so much to him,” his daughters said.
For the Gildersleeve family, the scholarship is about much more than financial support — it’s a heartfelt message that says, “we believe in you and your future.”
The Gildersleeve family knows firsthand the impact of compassionate care. Renee has built her career in nursing leadership at Sanford Health, a grandson is a pharmacist and others in the family have dedicated themselves to chiropractic care. Pam has spent her life teaching, Deb was a caregiver and Marjorie supported college students at BSU in the financial aid office, helping them chase their career dreams. In their own ways, every member of the Gildersleeve family has lived out the values Jim embodied: care, compassion and a commitment to helping others.
Through this scholarship, the family hopes to inspire and empower Sanford employees to grow in their careers and follow their passion for caring for others — just as Jim did every day.
“It’s been really moving to see the recipients of the scholarship and to know they’ll be able to continue helping others,” his daughters said. “This is a way we, as a family, can give back to our home community. We are honored to help support the next generation of caregivers who will continue to make a difference here in Bemidji and beyond.”
For Sanford employees seeking to advance their education, the Gildersleeve Family Scholarship is more than an opportunity — it’s a living tribute to a man whose life was defined by service and a reminder that his legacy continues through every recipient.
Give for Good in Bemidji
If you’re inspired by this story and want to support the work of Sanford Health in the Bemidji region, make a gift today. 100% of your donation will help enhance and advance care and services for local patients.