James Deal Obituary, Death – Andover Community Mourns 92-Year-Old Business Leader
James “Jim” Dennison Deal, age 92, of Andover, Minnesota, passed away on August 25, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of family, faith, leadership, generosity, and service.
Jim was raised on his family farm near Herman, Minnesota, and graduated from Wheaton High School. Throughout his life, he maintained a strong connection to farming and the outdoors, enjoying gardening, fishing, and hunting both locally and around the world. He also maintained a hunting preserve in Mora, where he always seemed to have another project or task waiting for him.
Those who knew Jim will remember his intelligence, wisdom, generosity, and sense of humor. He was known as a gifted storyteller who could make people laugh and was regarded as a mentor by many of the employees who worked with him.
Jim Deal’s Career and Legacy
Jim Deal made significant contributions to the American crop insurance industry. He was appointed Manager of the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation by President Jimmy Carter and played an important role in the development of the Federal Crop Insurance Act of 1980.
After returning to Minnesota from Washington, D.C., in 1980, Jim founded RCIS and NAU, which grew into two of the largest crop insurance companies in the United States.
His professional accomplishments were matched by his commitment to helping others. Jim was generous to his family, employees, church, Mercy Hospital, Achieve Services, and people in need. His family described him as hardworking, exceptionally intelligent, wise, and someone who consistently put family first.
Jim was also a longtime member of St. Stephen’s Catholic Church in Anoka, where he remained active in his faith since 1980.
Family Remembered
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Florence Deal; his sister, Joanne Dobberstein; his brother, Jerome Deal; and his son, John Kuker.
He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Pam, along with his children Kevin (Julie) Deal, Kris (Bob) Bugher, Greg (Kathy) Deal, Jeff (Dawn) Deal, and Matt (Tara) Kuker.
He also leaves behind 16 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren, his brother John (Lois) Deal, and many other relatives and friends.
His family will remember him as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend whose influence extended well beyond his immediate family.
Funeral Services for James “Jim” Deal
Visitation will be held Monday, August 31, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Thurston-Lindberg Funeral Home, 2005 Branch Ave., Anoka, Minnesota.
A Mass of Christian Burial will take place Tuesday, September 1, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church, 525 Jackson St., Anoka. Visitation will be held at the church for one hour before the Mass.
Private interment will follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorial contributions to Achieve Services Inc., 1201 89th Ave NE, Suite 1100, Blaine, MN 55434.
James “Jim” Deal leaves behind a remarkable legacy built through his family, professional achievements, faith, generosity, and service to others. His stories, guidance, and impact on the people around him will continue to be remembered.
May James “Jim” Deal rest in peace.