James "Jim" S. Pearson

A memorial service for James Pearson, 61, a native of Warren, will be held at 2 PM, on Saturday, July 9, 2016, in Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, with Rev. Janet Warnes officiating. He died on Monday, October 26, 2015, in Vienna, Austria, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. I

Interment of ashes will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Warren.

James Sherman Pearson was born on May 29, 1954 in Warren, the son of John O. and Marguerite (Lee) Pearson. He graduated from Warren High School in 1972 and from Concordia College in 1976, with a Bachelor of Music degree. From 1976-1988, he taught elementary music in Detroit Lakes. In 1988, Jim moved to Vienna, Austria, where he taught elementary music for 26 years at Vienna International School. A highlight of his career was receiving a silver medal of honor in 2011 from the city of Vienna, for his contributions both to the international character of the city and to charitable organizations through his performances with the Vienna International School Junior Choir. Jim and his colleague at VIS, Mary Farrell, were the first ever foreigners and teachers to receive this award.

Jim will be remembered for his passions in life, and for empowering children to believe in themselves. He inspired generations of children to love and make music. His music and spirit will live on in the children, parents, colleagues and friends he inspired over the years. Jim was a friend to many, and took a genuine interest in the well-being of virtually everyone he met.

Survivors include: his partner, Guenter Goldhahn of Hohenberg, Austria; brothers, Richard (Marsha) of Crystal, MN, and Ronald (Joanne) of Tulsa, OK; nieces and nephews, Anne (Travis Quigley), Robert, David (Kayci Pierce), Katie (Revan McQueen), Mary Beth and Ellen; great-nephews and great-niece, Devin Pearson and newborn twins, Anthony James and Allison Rose Quigley; and many relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

 Service Information