James Fredrick Dorff

James (Jim) Fredrick Dorff passed away unexpectedly at his home in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, on Sunday, August 16, 2026, at the age of 71.

Jim was born on February 2, 1955, in Moorhead, Minnesota to Fred and Dolores Dorff. He moved with his family as a young boy to the Twin Cities area where they lived for several years before relocating to Detroit Lakes in 1967. He graduated from Detroit Lakes High School in 1973. Following high school, he attended Bemidji State University, where he graduated with honors with bachelor’s degrees in biology and industrial arts.

After college, Jim worked in his father’s ornamental iron business, later taking over the business alongside two of his brothers. He eventually retired from the business after the onset of Wegener’s disease and the resulting heart disease, health challenges that he managed with immense discipline and strength for nearly 30 years.

While his formal education and career gave him a strong scientific and hands-on foundation, his true calling was gardening. Jim was a self-educated master gardener who could grow just about anything. If you knew him, you knew he was happiest with dirt under his fingernails, tending to his plants, and sharing his passion for gardening with anyone who would listen. He just had a deep love for the earth and a natural gift for making things thrive. When he wasn't in his garden, he enjoyed watching movies, listening to classical music, playing sports with his nieces and nephews, and engaging family in lively political discussions.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his five siblings: Stan Dorff, Lance (Julie) Dorff, Diane (Jeff) Van de Streek, Judy (Jeff) German, and Steve (Val) Dorff, as well as 11 nieces and nephews, 14 great nieces and nephews, and 2 great-great nieces and nephews, who will all deeply miss their uncle's warmth, easygoing spirit, and legendary green thumb.

A celebration of Jim’s life will take place on Saturday, October 3rd at 11:00 am at St. Mary of the Lakes Catholic Church located at 20996 County Highway 20 in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. Lunch will be served following the service.

In honor of Jim’s love for gardening, please consider planting something beautiful in your own yard.