James Polesky

James Edward Polesky was born August 15, 1924 at Lynd Township (Russell), Minnesota, the second of four children born to Edward and Mary (Kingsborough) Polesky. Jim grew up on the family farm and graduated from the Russell High School in 1942. After graduation, he went to work for the Russell Telephone Company. In 1948, he moved to LeMars, Iowa and worked for the O. P. Skagg’s Food System as a repack manager. Later, he accepted a position in sales for the Iowa Liquor Commission. He returned to Minnesota in 1955 to operate a Standard Oil station in Russell. On February 1, 1957 Jim and Florence Prairie Kelly were married and lived in Marshall. Jim continued to operate the service station until the spring flood that year stranded him in Russell for the duration. Shortly afterward, he started working at Runnings Automotive Supply Store in Marshall. Jim worked at Runnings until his retirement in 1984, after 27 years of service. Jim had an active retirement. He and Florence went on several trips to Florida, the Ozarks, Jamaica, and Cartajena, Colombia. But he most enjoyed staying at home where he spent his time fishing, gardening, growing flowers, refinishing furniture, and doing craft woodworking projects. Following his move to Boulder Estates, Jim became an expert cook—a hobby he shared with friends and neighbors the rest of his life. Survivors include his stepdaughter, Patricia Kelly Hall of St. Paul; granddaughters Elizabeth and Sarah Hall, and their father, William V. Hall, all of Minneapolis; sisters Pearl (Tom) Driscoll, Le Mars, Iowa; Agnes (Ross) Buchert and Marian (Ted) Lischefska, both of Mankato; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded by his wife, Florence, two nephews, one grand nephew, and two grand-nieces. A private family service and internment of cremains for James and Florence will be held at a later date. A memorial remembrance will take place on Sunday, March 7, 2010, at 2:30 pm at Boulder Estates, 601 Village Drive in Marshall. Non-resident friends are welcome to attend. Memorials are requested to the Prairie Home Hospice or to the charitable organization of the donor’s choosing.