The community on Friday lost one of its most astute businessmen and generous contributors.
Joseph P. Kimmes, 71, died at St. Mary's Medical Center in Duluth, where he had been hospitalized since Tuesday. His death came just three weeks after losing two sons in an industrial accident at a family business.
"It breaks my heart that he's gone. It's a great loss for everyone, but especially for Superior," said Duluth Mayor Herb Bergson, who, when mayor of Superior, worked with Kimmes on numerous projects.
During his career, Kimmes founded, purchased and operated a variety of local companies including Joe P. Kimmes Oil and Tire, J. Kimmes Construction Inc., the Prime Steer restaurant and Lakehead Blacktop and Materials. He also accumulated extensive land holdings through his realty company, including property along South Tower Avenue plus parcels adjoining Nemadji Golf Course. He also owned and operated a cattle farm just south of Superior and launched housing developments at the former Stardusk Theater site and in Billings Park.
"He was incredibly smart. He just had stuff figured out. He had an uncanny ability to do things right," said Marshall Weems, the city's former director of planning and port development. "He never went to finishing school, but he never quit learning. He was an amazing guy."
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His accomplishments came despite physical limitations caused by childhood polio. Kimmes never sought fanfare, Weems added, and worked quietly and effectively.
"He was the most honest, nicest guy, but he didn't want to put on airs," he said.
"He didn't wear fancy clothes or act arrogant. He was just a sweetheart of a guy," Bergson said.
That attitude extended into a tremendous amount of local philanthropy -- work for which he never sought recognition.
"A lot of people didn't know how charitable he was," Bergson said, explaining that Kimmes frequently offered the expertise and labor of his various companies. For instance, he provided more than $15,000 in construction work at Nemadji during a 2001 renovation, said course manager Mark Carlson. Similar contributions were made to the Superior Area Hockey Association, Curling Club, Superior/Douglas County Senior Center, churches of various denominations and schools.
"He just never said no," Bergson said.
But he went out of his way to remain anonymous.
"He had a huge heart but wanted to do things quietly," Weems said.
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That trait extended into politics, according to Mayor Dave Ross, who noted Kimmes contributed to many local campaigns.
"Joe was the kind of person who reached out to all of the candidates -- but not to exert influence. Even when he contributed to your opponent, you knew he was doing it because he believed in the political process and wanted to be generous to everybody," he said.
His companies were an extension of his own personality, Ross stressed. Others in the business community agree. After paving the parking lot at Superior Savings Bank, Kimmes made a separate trip to see President David Stack.
"Joe stopped by and personally thanked me for our business," Stack said. "He was a very generous individual and a very good businessman -- and he raised his kids with the same qualities."
Bergson agreed, saying "The apples didn't fall far from the tree."
Many friends and acquaintances said the death of his two sons was a devastating blow. Bergson noted Kimmes had spent his entire life building up his companies for his children.
"I never saw him like I saw him at the funeral," Stack said. "He was hurting pretty bad."
"This is just such a sad, sad thing for his family and the community," Weems said.
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Referring to Joe, his son Joe III and son Scott, Stack said, "This town has lost three great people."
Ron Brochu is executive editor. E-mail rbrochu@superiortelegram.com or call (715) 395-5021.
