James Dirkes

James Dirkes

Jim was married to Jan August 2nd, 1958 and was fortunate enough to celebrate 58 years until Jan passed in 2017.  Jan was stricken with a rare blood disease that she fought her entire adult life.  Jim stood loyally by her side and was always a strong and loving companion.  Jim was proceeded in death by father John, mother Esther, brothers Dale and Gene.  Jim is survived by daughter Sue, Son Scott (Chris), granddaughters Taylor (Stephen) and Riley, sister in law Pat, and brother Ron. 

Jim was a Tool Maker and Supervisor at Honeywell for over 30 years.  Upon retirement Jim took up woodworking and became very proficient as a bowl turner.  Jim could spend hours in his shop creating new inventions for the house, as well as creating beautiful works of art using exotic woods. He had an incredible knack for designing and building amazing pieces that were displayed at all of his friends and family’s houses.  Jim loved giving away bowls to whoever came to his house.  He had an amazing talent of meeting new and unique people that allowed him to share and teach others of his talents.   Jim also ventured into furniture, pens, duck and goose calls, turkey calls, and anything that he could make out of wood.

Jim also loved hunting with his friends and family.  He owned a duck shack on Swan Lake in Nicollet County with his friends Bob Johnson and Paul Schuler.  He duck hunted at Swan Lake for over 50 years and passed on his duck shack and love for hunting there to his son Scott.  Soon after he picked up a love for Goose hunting in Corcoran with his best buddy Gene Kisner.  Jim also loved deer hunting in Remer, MN with his Dad, brothers Ron and Gene, and other family friends.  Spending days building deer stands and getting the hunting truck stuck in the mud was always a memorable experience.  

Jim and Jan were blessed with two granddaughters (Taylor and Riley) that they loved dearly.  They would drive to the ends of the earth to babysit for an evening.  The girls were the center of their life during their retirement years.  After Jan passed, the family rallied around Jim and we all loved to visit with him and go to his favorite restaurant, Perkins!  Jim had a dry sense of humor and facial expressions that kept us all laughing and we all absolutely loved spending afternoons with him.

We know that you were ready to meet up with Jan in heaven, and we’re positive that you’re both up there holding hands, smiling, and happy that we’re celebration your beautiful life.  Miss you. Love you.

Susan Dirkes-Daughter

Scott Dirkes-Son

Christi Dirkes-Daughter in law

Taylor Davidson-Granddaughter

Stephen Davidson-Grandson in law

Riley Dirkes-Granddaughter

Zach Walker-Boyfriend (Riley)

Hank and Lucy

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