James Alfred Tomson, age 90, of Albert Lea died Friday, Nov. 16, 2012, at Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea, under the excellent and loving care of hospital staff.

Celebration of his life will be held at Christ Episcopal Church, Albert Lea, at 11 a.m. Saturday with the Rev. Henry Doyle, presiding.

Military honors will be accorded by Albert Lea veterans organizations. Interment will be held later at Graceland Cemetery.

Visitation will be at the church one hour before the service.

James Alfred Tomson was born Nov. 1, 1922, to Charles and Ethyl Mae (Prindle) Tomson in Mankato. Jim attended grade school and graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1940.

On April 6, 1941, he married Grace M. Olsen of Clarks Grove, and they resided in Albert Lea. In 1943, they moved to San Jose, Calif., where Jim worked with the Navy Sea Bees. When Jim left for overseas, Grace moved back to Albert Lea. In 1945, they moved to Providence, R.I., where Jim was attached to the Naval Air Station.

In 1946, they moved back to Albert Lea. Jim worked for the U.S. Postal Service until his retirement in 1986. During that time Jim also had many side jobs, which included farming with his brother-in-law Harry Olsen, and his nephew Tom Olsen. He also bred and raised silver poodles and raised birds. Jim became an accomplished dog trimmer and trimmed many poodles for show.

After their retirement, Jim and Grace spent the next 23 winters at their place in Mazatlan, Mexico. His hobbies were travelling, hunting, fishing, playing the organ and having a nice boat to water ski behind. Jim and Grace also spent many years enjoying playing golf. Jim also belonged to many service clubs and Christ Episcopal Church. His favorite club was the Kiwanis Golden K, where he served for many years as its secretary and program director. Jim especially enjoyed making arrangements for the clubs parties and picnics.

Jim is survived by his nephew, Tom Olsen, and his partner, Maurice Anderson of Edina and several cousins.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Grace.

In lieu of flowers, a charitable donation to Christ Episcopal Church would be appreciated.