Jim Jeske

A service livestream will be available for viewing at the following link:  https://www.facebook.com/CorpusBismarck/

James Leo Jeske “Jim”, 55, Bismarck, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on February 8, 2023.  Jim courageously battled cancer for over two years and leaves a legacy of leadership and service, and a positive approach to life with gratitude.

A mass of Christian Burial will be held at 4:00PM, Tuesday, February 14, at Church of Corpus Christ, 1919 N 2^nd St., Bismarck.       
Visitation will be held from 4:00PM to 7:00PM, Monday, February 13th with a Rosary/Vigil service starting at 7:00PM at Parkway Funeral Service 2330, Tyler Parkway, Bismarck. Visitation will continue one hour prior to service.  Please feel free to join us in wearing your favorite "Team Jeske" shirt, e.g. Gratitude, school, or sports teams he coached or cheered for.

Interment will occur at a later date to be determined by the family.

Jim was born in Dickinson, ND on August 8^th, 1967.  He graduated from New England High School in 1985 and received his bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of Mary in 1989.  Jim went on to receive his Masters in Administration from the University of Mary in 2004.

Jim and Trish were married on August 10^th, 1990 in New England, ND at St. Mary’s Catholic Church.  Three children, Hannah, James and Thomas completed their beloved family.

Jim’s early working years involved coaching youth baseball and softball in New England.  His first position in education was teaching 6^th grade in Forman, ND at Sargent Central School for three years where he also coached both the varsity boys and girls basketball teams.  In 1992, Jim and Trish moved to Carrington, ND where he also taught 6^th grade and coached boys basketball until 2000.  Jim coached the Cardinals to a State Class B Championship in 1995.  In 2000, a 6^th grade teaching position at Centennial Elementary brought the family to Bismarck, ND where he eventually coached the Century girls basketball team for six years.  Jim brought an exceptional level of energy and motivation that created a winning culture for CHS which continues to flourish as one of the best basketball programs in North Dakota.  In 2008, Jim left high school coaching to pursue a career as a principal with Bismarck Public Schools.  He served at Solheim Elementary for six years and then Pioneer Elementary for nine years. Recently, Jim was able to resume his basketball coaching with the men’s basketball team at Bismarck State College for two years.

For years, Jim enjoyed following his own children in their many sporting and school activities and even coached a number of their travel basketball teams.  He was an avid sports fan and loved attending professional athletic events including the Minnesota Vikings and Twins, but especially his favorites: the Seattle Seahawks, Boston Celtics, and Oakland A’s.  Sporting trips and games provided opportunities for many family vacations and a lot of fun-filled times together. In addition to being an avid sports fan, Jim also enjoyed the outdoors-especially hunting and fishing-with his family and friends. In recent years he and Trish searched for the perfect slice of heaven and found it at Rush Lake, MN.  Family time, fishing and sunsets provided precious memories and traditions to be treasured forever.

Jim is survived by his wife Trish; daughter, Hannah (Jordan) Bolger of Plymouth, MN; sons, James and Thomas Jeske of Bismarck, ND; siblings, Jerry (Denise) Jeske of Whitewood, SD; Kay (Galen) Jaeger of Red Lodge, MT, Debbie Steier of Blackfoot, ID, Mark (Mary Jane) Jeske of Denver, CO, and Nancy (Dave) Eckroth, of Placida, FL.  His “Outlaws” include Robert Reitz, Jonathan (Stacy) Reitz, Damon (Paula) Reitz, and Tammy (Dave) Los.  Additionally, 18 nieces and nephews and 14 grand nieces and nephews will miss their “naughty Uncle Jim” as the fun-loving jokester of the family and their favorite fishing companion.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents; parents, Cliff and Marilyn Jeske and Trish’s parents, Curtiss Reitz and JoAnne Reitz.

Jim's Funeral Mass will be lived streamed.  A live stream link will be available prior to service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to BPS Foundation https://bpsfoundation.com/donations/jim-jeske/  or The Bismarck Cancer Center Foundation https://www.bismarckcancercenter.com/.  Checks can also be made out to either foundation and mailed to them directly noting a Jim Jeske Memorial.