James M. Genia, 48, of Shoreview, died March 30, surrounded by his wife and many family members. Jim courageously fought for two-and-a-half years through numerous life-debilitating illnesses.
Jim grew up in St. Anthony Park and attended St. Anthony Park Elementary, Murray Junior High School and Como Park Senior High School, where he graduated in 1982. He was a caring and giving man and will be missed by his family and friends.
Jim was an admired attorney, lobbyist and judge. He was a tribal member of the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, Harbor Springs, Mich. Jim had worked as the head of the Indian law practice group at Lockridge Grindal Nauen PLLP in Minneapolis. One historic decision he helped litigate successfully was the Minnesota v. Mille Lacs Band of Chippewa Indians case that upheld several tribes’ hunting, fishing and gathering rights under an 1837 treaty with the United States. The case was decided in the U.S. Supreme Court and remains a critical decision maintaining Native American sovereignty today.
Jim is survived by his wife, Kara, and their children, Jackson, Kaitlyn and Michael; parents, Tony and Anne; sister, Andrea (Terry) Sanders; and brothers, Tony (Traci) and Tim (Lori). A gathering to remember Jim’s life was held April 9 at First Baptist Church of St. Paul.
