James Robert (Jim) Dorsey, 81, of Wayzata, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on February 20, 2026.

Jim's life started in the small town of Penfield, Illinois in 1944. Jim loved to tell stories about his childhood in Penfield, growing up on the family farm, and the antics of the four Dorsey brothers. He received both his undergraduate degree in political science and his law degree from the University of Illinois. While in law school, Jim served on, and was published in, the University of Illinois Law Review.

Jim began his 44-year legal career as a law clerk for the U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois. In 1971, he accepted a position at the law firm O'Connor and Hannan, which brought him and his wife Yvonne to their new home, the Twin Cities. Jim went on to spend most of his career at Leonard Street and Deinard (now Stinson LLP), specializing in eminent domain and real estate valuation, and representing clients ranging from large companies to individual property owners. Outside of his day-to-day work, Jim was a wonderful mentor to many young lawyers, an instructor and seminar leader at Continuing Legal Education, and an enthusiastic participant in the culture of the law firm.

Jim always declared himself to be a lucky man. He was lucky in love and with family and friends, most especially his wife Yvonne and their daughter Erin, of whom he was very proud. He was also a man of many interests. One of Jim's greatest passions was sports – both watching and playing. Jim was a devoted Illini, Twins, and Vikings fan, and considered fandom to be an interactive activity, coaching from his chair! An accomplished athlete, he played and coached softball, made regular fishing trips to Canada, and played tennis two to three times a week until he was 80. He sat courtside at Wimbledon in 2022 and 2023, realizing his lifelong dream of attending a "Grand Slam" tennis tournament. Outside of sports, Jim was happiest while traveling with Yvonne, meeting up with old friends, or most frequently, cruising around Lake Minnetonka in his Mini Cooper convertible while wearing one of his signature hats and stopping for burgers and shakes at Culver's. In retirement, Jim continued to engage with current events and politics; he attended his first protest, the St. Paul No Kings Rally, in 2025.

"Jimmy Dee" will be remembered by his family and many friends for his big smile, his hearty laugh, and his contagious exuberance for life. He was loved by all. It is worth repeating a statement Jim made at his retirement party: "I had a good run."

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, William and Genevieve, and brother Phil. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Yvonne (nee Reuben), daughter Erin, brothers George and Michael, and many nieces and nephews.

A private celebration of life will take place in the spring. In lieu of flowers, donations to causes Jim was passionate about are welcomed: Interfaith Outreach & Community Partners (IOCP) in Plymouth, https://iocp.org/donations/give-financial-support/ or InnerCity Tennis (ICT) in Minneapolis. https://innercitytennis.org/donate/