James "Jim" S. Quackenbush

Papa. The Man. The Myth. The Legend.

Memorial services will be Saturday, August 10, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Chokio with Fr. John Paul Knopik officiating. Visitation will be Friday, August 9th from 4 to 7 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Chokio and for one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery near Chokio.

James “Jim” Quackenbush left this world suddenly on July 31, 2024, at the age of 70 surrounded by loved ones who will continue to honor his legacy by living their lives to the fullest. 

Jim was born to Patricia (Wade) and Donald Quackenbush on July 15, 1954. Jim was born with a twin brother John and was number 4 of 14 children. After graduating from Chokio-Alberta high school, Jim attended U of M Crookston where he played football and studied animal science. Jim returned to Chokio to work on the family farm “Lazy Q farms”. Jim met the love of his life Amelia “Amy” Vikander, and they married February 4, 1978. They had 4 children Johnathan, Stacy, Benjamin, and Sara. 

Jim spent his adult life working to better the US pork industry, not only the family farm but also serving in many pork producer positions. He started his journey on behalf of the Pork Producers in Stevens County MN. He served as MN Pork Producers president and then served on the board of the National Pork Producers. He also served on the board of the South Dakota pork producers, making him one of the only people to serve on pork producer boards in multiple states. Jim was passionate about using his voice and his time, working to make things better for all pig farmers. In 2004, Jim left the family farm and worked for several pork production companies. He then moved to Wisconsin, in 2017, to join his son John at Minitube USA where he worked as a sow production consultant until the day of his passing. 

Jim’s greatest joy was being with his family, especially his grandkids, Elizabeth, Adalynn, Bella, Roman, Everly, Hannah, Charlie and Jacob. Jim loved going to school and sporting events to cheer on his children and grandchildren. The broad range of events that the kids were involved in, allowed him to learn all aspects of activities, from horse riding and driving, volleyball, basketball, softball and baseball, soccer, gymnastics, wrestling, hockey, music, dance and he couldn’t wait to see his 1st grandson Roman play football. Jim loved golfing and often played men’s night golf with John and enjoyed helping Ben teach his three children to love the game of golf. 

Jim’s passion for the MN Vikings was shown every Sunday, in the fall, as he dressed head to toe in purple. Having grandkids in both MN and WI caused the joyful battle between the family fans of the Vikings and Packers, which he thoroughly enjoyed. 

Later in life, Jim found joy in baking pies and his mom’s famous chocolate chip cookies with his grandkids. He even dabbled in pear jam and lefsa. Jim’s dad’s joke humor brought joy to many people whether he was at work, casual gatherings or with family and friends. He loved to let everyone know that tractors are red, and grass is green! Jim was excited to reconnect with the U of M Crookston football team as they were inducted to the Hall of Fame in the fall of 2023. 

Jim leaves behind his wife Amy of 46 years; his children John (Tracy) Quackenbush of Walworth, WI, Stacy Quackenbush of Coon Rapids, MN, Ben Quackenbush of West Salem, WI and Sara (Curtis) Peterson of Eagle Bend, MN and 8 grandchildren. He is also survived by his mother, Pat Quackenbush of Chokio; 11 siblings, Peggy (Ken Rich) Quackenbush of Rochester, NY, Carol (Doug) Olausen of Crystal, MN, Joan (Scott) Bonine of Bela Vista, AR, Dean (Lynn) Quackenbush of Chokio, MN, Laurie (Larry) Roehl of Cedar Rapids, IA, Louise Koranda of Blue Earth, MN, Bruce (Kris) Quackenbush of Chokio, MN, Kay (Tom) Fox of Rochester, MN, Eileen (Rick) Johnsen of North Branch, MN, Kristine (David) Dodds of St. Louis Park, MN, and Tom (Lavonne) Quackenbush of Redwood Falls, MN and in-laws Debra Vikander of Alexandria, MN, Robert Vikander of Mounds View, MN, and Dave (Anna) Vikander of Granite Falls, MN, and a plethora of nieces and nephews, family and friends. 

Jim is preceded in death by his father Don Quackenbush; infant brothers, Peter and his twin John; parents in-law, Beverly and Robert Vikander; brother in-law, Brian Koranda; sister in-law, Carla Quackenbush and brother-in-law, Tony Blake and partner in crime, cousin George Veith. 

Pedersen Funeral Home is in care of arrangements for Jim.