Motorcycle crash kills owner of well-known Lake Minnetonka saloon

The Narrows owner Jimmy Anderst died four days after a motorcycle crash; friends remembered him Sunday.

October 17, 2016 at 1:21PM
Jimmy Anderst
Jimmy Anderst (Paul Walsh — Facebook/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

A motorcycle crash last week took the life of a saloon owner in western Hennepin County whose venue hosts various country, rock and blues acts, authorities said.

James "Jimmy" Anderst, owner of the Narrows in Navarre, crashed in Orono about 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 9 while riding on County Road 19 near Red Oak Lane, according to the sheriff's and medical examiner's offices for Hennepin County.

Anderst, 63, who lived in Mound, died Thursday at Hennepin County Medical Center.

Police said Sunday that Anderst went around signs indicating the road was closed for construction and crashed. No other vehicles were involved.

Officer Susan Schultz said there also were signs directing motorists to alternate routes.

Anderst was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, Schultz added.

Services for Anderst were scheduled for 3 p.m. Sunday in Minnetrista at Gale Woods Farm Pavilion, 7210 County Road 110 W. Survivors include three daughters.

"There will be a social gathering following, at the Pavilion, with live music with some of Jimmy's many musical friends," according to a Facebook post on the saloon's page. The Narrows, where live music plays nearly every night, was closing for much of the afternoon to allow family and employees to attend.

Anderst took over Jimmie's at Navarre in 1999 and changed it from a tavern to its current bar and restaurant. Mick Sterling is one of the more notable local acts who have played at The Narrows. Local blues performer Lamont Cranston is scheduled to play at the saloon on Oct. 29.

Paul Walsh • 612-673-4482

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Paul Walsh

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Paul Walsh is a general assignment reporter at the Star Tribune. He wants your news tips, especially in and near Minnesota.

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