Notes for John "Jack" James Sr. Colbert

Notes for John "Jack" James Sr. Colbert

John (nicknamed "Jack") (see photos 5, 7, and 17 in the Colbert family photographs) worked in the railroad shops in St. Paul, MN repairing engines. Later he left the railroad and opened a bowling alley and restaruant in St. Paul. he bought a big lodge in Nevis, MN on Lake Beltaine. It burned to the ground one winter when some hunters were using it, and unfortunately it was not insured. He then bought the cabin on Lake Mary about 1941. The original cabin was three rooms (kitchen and two bedrooms) with an outhouse and no running water. A hand pump outside the cabin served as the water source. John added a screened porch to th lakeside of the cabin. Eventually he sold the bowling alley and restaurant and returned to work at the railroad shops. John's first wife, Ann Woulfe, died giving birth to Richard Colbert in 1937. John's second wife was Mary Eugenia Ross, nicknamed "Jeannie". His funeral was held at the O'Brien Funeral Home in St. Paul, MN. John had a paper route with his brother William.

From the family notes of Jerome F. Colbert, Sr:
"John J. Colbert worked as a machinist on train engines, ran a tavern, grocery store, and bowling alley."

Obituary of John J. Colbert:
residence 629 Park St. Beloved husband of Maria Eugenie; father of John J. Jr, Mrs. Dwayne (Anna Marie) Djos, Richard K., Marist College, Catholic University, Washington D.C.; brother of William R., Mrs. W.E. Hinderer and Mrs. Ben Persons. Also survived by 5 grandchildren. From the O'Brien Funeral Home, University at Lexington, Saturday 9:30 am Services St. Louis Church 10:00 o'clock. Interment Calvary. Visitation after 2:00 pm Friday. Parish rosary 8:00 pm Friday.