James Scheresky was born on a stormy, cold, winter day on January 8th, 1938, in Iota Flat township in the southeastern corner of Ward County. He was the sixth of seven children born to Samual and Lillian (Harchenko) Scheresky. Jim and his siblings grew up on his father’s homestead working alongside their parents, learning many skills and a strong work ethic; from milking cows, to plowing the fields with draft horses and later farming with good old Case IH tractors. Farming was Jim’s love and passion which he shared throughout his generations.
Jim graduated from Minot High School in 1955 and went off to attend Union College in Lincoln, NE for one year and then followed his sisters and brother to Walla Walla College in College Place, WA. Jim returned home to farm with his father, for his older brother was going off to serve in the Korean war. One Saturday night Jim and his friends went to a movie in Velva, ND and there he met a beautiful girl, Diane Radomski. Together he and Diane raised seven children and shared an amazing 63 years of marriage.
Jim and Diane raised their children on the farm with lots of hard work, but also plenty of love and fun. It was common in the summer months that after working in the fields and the milking chores were done, he would play a game of football or baseball in the yard with all seven of his children. He always had a team. Later he loved to play his guitar or piano, and sing with his grandchildren “You are my sunshine”. We all received nicknames, which was his way to show his love for us. Many others (not knowingly) received nicknames too, which seemed to give him a good chuckle and made his smile even bigger.
Jim was a friend to all. His smile and kindness was known in the community with a willing helping hand. He served others in many ways whether on local boards or by volunteering. During his life he was a member of Farmers Union, Iota Flat Township board, Town and Country Credit Union board, and a member of the Minot SDA Church. Jim received his pilot license early on in his life. He flew charter flights for many years along with custom crop spraying. Jim became a licensed master electrician and wired many of the homes and businesses in the community.
In the spring of 2017 while traveling to Walla Walla, WA Jim suffered a stroke which kept him and Diane in WA to receive medical care. His days of farming had come to an end, but not his love for the farm or his cows. He was able to make several trips home during that time until in 2021 the time had come for more assisted care. Home to ND is where they wanted to return. Jim and Diane settled into the Valley View Manor Assisted Living in Velva, ND where soon after Diane became ill and passed. His most recent days were spent at Benedictine Living Community in Garrison, as he moved closer to more family and for an increased level of care.
On October 27, 2023, Jim passed peacefully with his oldest and youngest children at his side. He did not fear dying, for his relationship with Jesus shined in him. His kindness, gratefulness and generosity was always present in his smile. Jim’s life was a reflection of his love for the Lord.
Jim is survived by his children, Carmen (Rick) Grimm, Max; Shannon Kittleson (Michael Moore), Apache Junction, AZ; Teresa (Eric) Funk, Murfreesboro, TN; Cheryl (Curtis ) Evanenko, Cheney, WA; Sonny (Missy) Scheresky, Max; Wally (Karla) Scheresky, Garrison; Michael (Rachelle) Scheresky, Minot; his 15 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren
A memorial service will be held in Jim’s honor at the Minot Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Minot, ND (10 17th Ave SW) at 10 am Friday, November 10th. Memorials may be given to the Valley View Manor Assisted Living, Velva, ND in memory of Jim for the wonderful care and friendship they provided during his time there.
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