James Horack, age 87 of Ogema, MN, died Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at Essentia Health-Oak Crossing in Detroit Lakes, MN.

Jim was born December 5, 1924 the son of Frank and Katherine (Stech) Horack. He attended grade school at the Horack School, near McCrany Lake, rural Waubun. Jim furthered his education at Waubun Public and High School. Following his schooling, Jim entered the United States Navy in June of 1943. He served mainly in the South Pacific until his honorable discharge in January of 1946. Returning to the Waubun area, Jim began working for his future father-in-law doing road construction and ditching for area farmers.

On September 1, 1949 Jim was united in marriage to M. Patricia Chromy at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Waubun. The couple made their home in Waubun. In the spring of 1952, the family moved to California where Jim worked in the oil fields until that fall. They returned to Waubun and Jim began working again for Pat Chromy and also at Leonard Wander's garage. For a short time, Jim and Patsy lived in Keewatin, MN, where he was employed by Hanna Mining Co. In 1955, Jim purchased Alvin Angnstman's home and school bus route in Ogema. Patsy and the children moved to Ogema, however, Jim continued to work in the iron mines until 1960 when he re-joined his family in Ogema. In between his school bus routes and during the summer months, Jim worked as a well driller for many area residents.

Jim served the community of Ogema as the City Policeman, the Mayor for 10 years and also as a council member, a position he still currently held. He also held memberships with the Ogema VFW, Mahnomen American Legion and the Eagles in Crookston, MN. He enjoyed the outdoors and all the seasons activities including gardening, hunting, snowmobiling and golfing. Jim also spent many hours playing cards with family and friends.

Surviving Jim are his wife, Patsy, of Detroit Lakes, MN; son, Alan of Ogema; daughters: Jeanne (Jim) Nelson of Sun Lakes, AZ, JoAnn (John) Solie of Brooklyn Center, MN, and Becky (Jim) Peter of New Hope, MN; four grandchildren: Erin (Kyle) Hosker, Alyssa (Nick) Hanzlik, Kyle Solie and Matt (Amanda) Rousu; three great-grandchildren: Jacob, Allison and Zeke Rousu; a brother, Henry (Bernice) Horack of Waubun, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son-in-law, Tim Rousu; and siblings: George, Frank, John, Joe, Rose, Mary, Lillian, Emma and Willie.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, February 11, 2012 at 10 am at Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Ogema.

Visitation will be held Friday, February 10, 2012 from 5-7 pm with a prayer service at 6:30 pm at Anderson~Mattson Funeral Home in Mahnomen, MN, and continue one hour prior to the funeral at the church.

Burial will be in Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Cemetery, Ogema, MN.