Jim Vickerman facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jim Vickerman
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| Member of the Minnesota Senate from the 22nd district |
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| In office January 6, 1987 – January 3, 2011 |
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| Preceded by | Doran Isackson |
| Succeeded by | Doug Magnus |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
James Murray Vickerman
May 1, 1931 Tracy, Minnesota |
| Died | January 19, 2021 (aged 89) Marshall, Minnesota |
| Political party | Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party |
| Spouse | Wava Carlson Vickerman |
| Children | 6 |
| Relatives | Barbara Vickerman (cousin-in-law) |
| Residence | Tracy, Minnesota |
| Occupation | Legislator, Farmer |
James Murray Vickerman (born May 1, 1931 – died January 19, 2021) was an American politician from Minnesota. He served as a Minnesota State Senator for many years. He was first elected in 1986 during a difficult time for farmers in the Midwest. This period was known as the 1980s Midwestern farm crisis. In that election, he won against the person who held the seat before him, Doran Isackson.
Vickerman was re-elected many times: in 1990, 1992, 1996, 2000, 2002, and 2006. On February 22, 2010, he announced he would not run for an eighth term. He said he was happy that "when it's done right, our government can and does serve people." His time in office officially ended on January 3, 2011.
Serving Minnesota: Jim Vickerman's Time in the Senate
Jim Vickerman lived near Tracy, Minnesota. He represented District 22, which covers several counties in southwestern Minnesota. These include Cottonwood, Jackson, Murray, Nobles, Pipestone, and Rock counties. Before the district lines changed in the early 1990s, the area was called District 28.
As a senator, Vickerman led important committees. He was the chair of the Senate Agriculture and Veterans Committee. He also chaired the Agriculture and Veterans Budget and Policy Division. He was part of other committees too, like the Environment and Natural Resources Committee and the Finance Committee. He even served as the Majority Whip from 2003 to 2007. A whip helps make sure members of their political party vote together on important issues.
Vickerman also worked on the Minnesota Rural Health Advisory Committee for three terms. This committee helps improve healthcare in rural areas. He was chosen for this role by different governors: Arne Carlson in 1995, Jesse Ventura in 1999, and Tim Pawlenty in 2003.
He was a big supporter of the Feeding Minnesota Task Force. This group brings together people from the farming community to help food banks across Minnesota. Vickerman believed that farmers could help get unsold food to people who needed it, instead of letting it go to waste. This was important because many food banks struggled to keep enough food.
Vickerman cared about many issues during his time as a senator. These included taxes, protecting the environment, health services, agriculture, and helping local communities. He also focused on education, rural health, transportation, and supporting veterans.
On May 8, 2010, Vickerman received the Walter and Joan Mondale Award for Outstanding Public Service. This award recognized his long and important work in public service.
From Farm to Politics: Jim Vickerman's Early Life
Jim Vickerman grew up on a farm in Murray County, Minnesota. His father was involved in local government, which likely inspired Jim. This early experience helped him choose a path in politics later in life.
Before becoming a senator, Vickerman was active in local government. He spent twelve years on the area's soil and water board. This board helps manage natural resources like soil and water. He also served as a Murray County Commissioner.
Jim Vickerman and his wife, Wava, got married in 1950. They had six children together. His cousin-in-law, Barbara Vickerman, also served in the Minnesota legislature.
Jim Vickerman passed away in Marshall, Minnesota, on January 19, 2021. He was 89 years old. His wife, Wava, died later in Tracy on August 25, 2022, at age 91.
