James Disbrow

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James `Jimmy' Disbrow July 9 1948-Oct 16 2002 James ``Jimmy'' Disbrow, went Home on October 16, 2002 after a courageous and valiant battle with brain cancer. Beloved and devoted husband of Dede. Adored father to Devon Hensel, Carl Hensel and son-in-law, Brandon Sorge. Loving son of David and Rita Lowery. Dear brother to Scott Lowery (Barb), Kristan Waggonar (Todd), Teri Tucker, Joan Orvis, Davey Disbrow. Born July 9, 1948 in Bowling Green, KY, Jimmy was destined for greatness. After an esteemed amateur figure skating career, in which he amassed several national titles in both singles and pairs, he spent two years touring internationally with Holiday On Ice. In 1982, Jimmy found his calling in the restaurant business, founding Buffalo Wild Wings, Inc. (known by devoted followers as BW3), with brother, Scott. Jimmy served as President and CEO until 1994 and Chairman of the Board until his death. Jim spent many years giving back to the figure skating world, first as a coach and then for 25 years as a National and World Judge. He served as President of the United States Figure Skating Association from 1998 until 2000. In 1998 he had the dual honor of serving as Team Leader for the 1998 Olympic Team in Nagano, Japan and as the Chair for the 1998 World Figure Skating Championships in Minneapolis, Minnesota. A congenial man, Jimmys electric personality would light up a room. People were drawn to his warmth and compassion. Jimmy knew no strangers and touched the lives of every person that he met. He was fiercely devoted to his family, dividing time between his sons high school hockey games and traveling the world to watch his daughters skating competitions. Jimmy cherished every relationship with his friends. No matter how successful Jimmy became, he was never too busy to stop and chat, every single morning, with every single employee in his office. He will always be remembered for his genuine interest in people, his loyalty and his seemingly endless benevolence. To his family, friends and all who knew him, Jimmys zest for life was truly proof of the unbreakable human spirit. He will forever be a part of our Team. Special thanks to Paul Sperduto, Walter Hall, Shirley Kern, Terry Doyle, Nancy Loebertmann, Yvonne Combs, Jackie Kauffman, all the wonderful individuals associated with Methodist Hospice, our friends at Colonial Church and to the numerous others who have supported and loved Jimmy throughout his journey. He is with us and with you always. Friends may call at Colonial Church of Edina, 2 p.m. on October 19, 2002. A celebration of Jim's life will follow the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations are preferred to The Jimmy and Dede Disbrow Skating Foundation, c/o Carefree Capital, 1600 Utica Ave, Suite 700, Minneapolis, MN 55416. Donations are also welcomed to Minneapolis Radiation Oncology Memorial program or Colonial Church of Edina.

Published on October 18, 2002