16 Aug James “Jim” Szymanski
Posted at 18:59h
in Uncategorized
by staff
James “Jim” Szymanski, 81, of Bismarck, passed away on August 13, 2024, peacefully with family at his side.
James P. Szymanski (Jim), an only child, was born in Chicago, IL on 13 May 1943 to Edward and Anna Szymanski. During Jim’s youth in Chicago, he attended seminary and for a brief period, worked at the steel mill. He grew up on the south side, but thankfully, had no illusions
of remaining a White Sox fan. Later, spending summers working on his grandfather’s farm near Reynolds, ND would lead him down a different path.
After graduating high school, Jim attended the University of North Dakota (UND) in Grand Forks, ND, pursuing a business degree and enlisting in ROTC-Air Force. When he graduated from UND, Jim entered the Air Force as a Second Lieutenant and was stationed at Grand Forks AFB. Not too long after starting his military career, Jim went on a blind date and met Marian, who was attending UND at the time, and would become his wife of 56 years. Shortly thereafter, Jim and Marian set off to live the military life, being first stationed at Grand Forks AFB where their first child (Sue Ann) was born. After a few years, the young family was transferred to Chanute AFB where their second child (Anthony) was born. Not too long after Anthony’s birth, the slightly larger, but still young family transferred to Cheyenne, WY. Being stationed in Cheyenne fit Jim and Marian well and it was during this time that Jim (and sometimes Marian) pursued pronghorn and other big game. Jim often fondly recanted elk hunting in the mountains near Jackson Hole. While stationed at Cheyenne, Jim also found one of his lifelong interests, selling real estate, during days off from missile silos. Jim also studied during his days and nights off and received a Master’s degree from Northern Colorado University in Greeley. After managing missile crews in WY and a promotion to Major, Jim and Marian transferred back to Grand Forks AFB where Jim was Chief of Safety for the base and worked in the 321st Missile Wing.
During their second duty at Grand Forks is when Jim and Marian’s youngest son, Michael, was born. Being back in ND, Jim became reengaged with waterfowl and upland bird hunting with Anthony, and found what would become his main hobby – collecting antique duck decoys. Jim and Marian would then move to Minot, ND for Jim’s final station, managing missile maintenance crews as part of the 57th Air Division. During the family’s time in the Air Force, there were also several TDY assignments, one of which involved Jim launching a missile! Jim retired from the Air Force in early 1986, and Jim and Marian chose to stay in Minot to finish raising their family. Jim was proud to have served as part of the Strategic Air Command. Following his Air Force career, Jim obtained his real estate appraiser certification, and started a successful real estate appraisal business that he owned and operated for 30 years. Jim and his son Anthony also started and ran a construction company that specialized in custom built homes during the late 90s and early 2000s. During his time in Minot, Jim enjoyed hunting and fishing in north central ND and traveling to decoy shows, often with his youngest son in tow.
In 2019 Jim began his battle with metastatic renal cancer, which at the time had a very poor outlook. Jim and Marian moved to Bismarck to be closer to youngest son, Michael and his wife Kila, while seeking treatment. Dr. Kearin started Jim on the right path, but a hospital reorganization shook things up shortly into Jim’s treatments. So, it was for most of the journey that Drs. Luebke and Watkins gave Jim incredible care, treatment and support that enabled him to greatly outlive the original prognosis. So much so, that Jim and Marian were able to travel to Salt Lake City, UT for their grandson Jeramie’s (Amelia) wedding. We thank everyone from Jim’s compassionate medical and care teams for their support throughout this long and winding path.
Jim is survived by his wife of 56 years, Marian; children, Sue (Joe) Bichler, Tony (Lisa) Szymanski, Mike (Kila) Szymanski; grandchildren, Jeramie (Amelia) Bichler, Jessica (Jimmie) Crawley, Mia Szymanski, Liam Szymanski; great-grand child, James Crawley.
A private family service is being held at the North Dakota Veteran’s Cemetery.
Memorials can be sent to Marian Szymanski c/o Bismarck Funeral Home, 3723 Lockport St. Bismarck ND, 58503
