James G. Juricich

James “Jim” G. Juricich, 97, a lifelong resident of Hibbing, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 5, 2024. 

Jim was born on January 5, 1927, to Frank and Amelia (Luketich) Juricich in Hibbing, Minnesota. He had a deep love for his hometown and graduated from Hibbing High School in 1944. Jim was a member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Hibbing and took great pride in being part of his community.

He proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict, where he was assigned to the 199th (C) Engineers. At Camp McCoy, he served as a diesel engine instructor and later held roles including Engineer Equipment Maintenance Supervisor, First Sergeant, and Acting Master Sergeant. He was discharged on October 22, 1952. 

Following his time in the service, Jim began his career at Cummins Diesel and later joined General Diesel & Equipment, where he worked as General Manager until retiring at 70. Known for his “engineering mind,” Jim truly loved his work and built many lifelong friendships throughout his career. 

In 1954, Jim married Florence Zezel, and together, they raised three children, Gayle, Karyn, and Mike. Jim and Florence loved hosting their family, were active members of the Hibbing community, and never missed a social engagement with friends and work associates. 

Jim was heavily involved with the Hibbing Rotary Club, Knights of Columbus and the Boy Scouts-Headwaters Area Council. He loved attending Army reunions, spending time at the “farm” just outside of Hibbing, and making memories with his loved ones. Jim and Florence spent many hours on the road making the trip down to Belle Plaine to visit their cherished granddaughters, Kerry and Molly, and three great-grandchildren, Kaylee, Russell, and Sophie. Among family, Jim was rarely called by his given name, instead embracing the affectionate nicknames “Buddy” and “Coo-Coo,” bestowed by his great-grandchildren. 

He was a gifted storyteller with an incredible memory, often taking loved ones on vivid journeys through the “old days” of Hibbing. As the son of Croatian immigrants, he was deeply proud of his heritage and frequently reflected on his life with the simple phrase, “I had a good life.” Jim’s story is a testament to hard work, resilience, and the value of family. His ingenuity, wisdom, and loyalty leaves a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.

Jim was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Florence (Zezel) Juricich; his parents, Frank and Amelia (Luketich) Juricich; and his siblings, Mary Pucci, Katherine Juricich, Anne Barrett, Steve Juricich, Rosemary Buzzelli, Matilda Hansen, Julia Olin, Violet Perry, Dorothy Johnson Andrews, and, Marian Tastsides. 

He is lovingly remembered by his children, Gayle (William) Shields of Belle Plaine, MN; Karyn Juricich of Eagan, MN; Michael (LaVell) Juricich of Ogilvie, MN; two granddaughters, Kerry (Channe) Dos and Molly (Pat) Shields; three great-grandchildren, Kaylee (Tyler) Mielke, Russell and Sophie Dos; “adopted” granddaughter, Freddie Boersma-Bolkestein, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services for Jim will be 11:30 am, Friday, December 13, 2024 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Hibbing. The Rev. Fr. Bill Skarich will celebrate the Mass of Christian Burial. Visitation will be from 10:00 am until the 11:30 am funeral Mass at the church on Friday, with recitation of the Rosary at 11:15 am. Interment will be in the Maple Hill Cemetery of Hibbing. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Hibbing Historical Society, or to any organization of the donor’s choice. Arrangements are with the Dougherty Funeral Home of Hibbing.