James "Jim" Lawrence Sexton, 73, of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and formerly of Millville, Wabasha County, Minnesota, passed away on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, surrounded by his family at Mayo Clinic – Luther Hospital in Eau Claire after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born April 22, 1952, to Lawrence and Dorothy (Schmidt) Sexton in Lake City, Minnesota.

He was raised on the farm in Oakwood Township, Wabasha County, rural Millville, Minnesota. Jim attended Millville Elementary School and graduated from Elgin-Millville High School in 1970. He attended Winona State University before he decided the family farm was where he wanted to be.

In 1971 he started the band "The Country Ladds", where he made it his lifelong career to perform at town festivals, wedding dances and numerous celebrations in Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin. He made many lifelong friends through fifty years of people enjoying country and polka music.

Jim was a member of the Zumbro Falls Lions Club. He was also in various bowling leagues.

He retired after 24 years from Valley Craft in Lake City, Minnesota in 2018. He has been enjoying life with his significant other, Julia, camping with their friends and family, bowling with their Boyd and Eau Claire bowling groups, and he has continued playing music at nursing homes throughout the area through his retirement.

James is survived by his children, Joseph Sexton of Millville, MN Jessica Welti of Rochester, MN, Kyle (Sierra) Sexton of Wabasha, MN and Kelsey (Matthew) Schnell of Plainview, MN; six grandchildren; a brother, Michael (Debbie) Sexton of Elgin, MN and two sisters, Janet (Steve) Madeyski of Calgary, Alberta, Canada and Marilyn (Kevin) Powers of Dallas, TX; ten nieces and nephews; significant other, Julia Swanson of Eau Claire, WI and her family, daughter Amy Marvin (Chris Hassemer) of Bloomer, WI and Dustin (Melissa) Swanson of Oakland, CA. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Dorothy Sexton and daughter, Courtney Sexton.

A funeral service for Jim will be held on Saturday, August 9, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in West Albany, rural Millville, MN with Deacon David Dose officiating. The burial will follow the service in St. Patrick's Catholic Cemetery. Friends and family may visit one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday.

A Celebration of Life for Jim will be held from 1:00 – 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 9, at the Lake City Sportsman Club, 2200 South Oak Street in Lake City, MN.