In Memoriam: James Saurdiff ’89, OD ’91

James Saurdiff '89, OD '91 died Dec. 16, 2021, at age 64. Saurdiff spent much of his childhood in International Falls, Minn., and Wahpeton, N.D. His family moved to Alexandria, Minn., where he graduated from Jefferson Senior High School. After graduating, he moved to St. Cloud, Minn., to pursue a career in optometry. His passion for the field of optometry and helping his patients set him apart in his profession. That passion led him to open Duluth Eye Center in Duluth, Minn., where he met his business partner, Al Jense. The two worked together for the next 30 years, opening the Falls Eye Center in International Falls, Minn.

Saurdiff had many hobbies and passions throughout his life, including music, hunting, rebuilding automobiles, and picking wild berries. He joined rock bands with his brother Larry said to have rivaled Guns N’ Roses and Poison. Following his passions allowed him to become a well-known and respected member of the International Falls community, and those who met him in his lifetime remember his ability to leave a lasting positive impact on those around him.

Saurdiff was preceded in death by his parents, Beverly and Ronald. He is survived by his siblings, Teri, Robert, Nanci, and Larry; and several nieces and nephews.