James Kezar, 64, died on Sunday, June 18, 2006 at St. Marys Hospital in Rochester, MN.

Funeral service will be at 2:00 P.M. on Friday, June 23, 2006 at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, MN with Reverend Luther Peterson, officiating. Burial will be in the First Lutheran Cemetery, Middle River, MN.

Visitation will be from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. on Thursday, June 22, 2006 at the Johnson Funeral Service, Thief River Falls, MN with a 7:00 P.M. prayer service on Thursday evening and at the church for one hour prior to service on Friday.

James Lee Kezar was born on March 5, 1942 in Middle River, MN, the son of Asa Lee and Mabel (Anderson) Kezar. Jim was baptized and confirmed at First Lutheran Church in Middle River and attended school there also, graduating from Middle River High School in 1960. Jim entered the United States Army on November 4, 1960 and was Honorably Discharged on October 28, 1963.

Jim was united in marriage to Janice Prosser on November 7, 1964. Janice and Jim lived in the Thief River Falls area and Jim worked for Schenkey Construction from 1963-1964, Holiday 1964-1965, Hedeen Construction 1965-1972 and he began working for the Soo Line Railroad in 1972, retiring in 2002.

Jimmy was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. He was a compassionate, kind and gentle man. Jim was always willing to help anyone in need and expressed his caring for people by helping them with his mechanical ability. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening and especially spending time with his grandchildren. He was a member of Soo Line Employees Credit Union, where he also served as a Board Member.

Jim is survived by his wife, Janice of Thief River Falls, MN; two sons: Shannon (Laura) Kezar of Forest Lake, MN and Paul (Jeanine) Kezar of Lakeland, MN; four grandchildren: Dan, Andrew, Macie, and Josie; one sister, Karen (Arden) Veralrud of Ottertail, MN; several nieces and nephews; and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Barb Otto and one brother, David Kezar.

Family condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com
ORGANIST: Joyce Halbasch
CONGREGATIONAL HYMNS: Softly and Tenderly # and Beyond the Sunset
SPECIAL MUSIC: Paula Adamson and Greg Dally
SELECTIONS: Jesus Loves Me " Oh How He Loves You and Me and In the Garden
PALLBEARERS: Tim Veralrud, Kevin Veralrud, Scott Kezar, Rick Kezar, Ryan Kezar, Jeff Kezar, Kevin Kezar and Bill Otto.
HONORARY PALLBEARERS: Babe Grindeland, Billy Halme, Jerry Walker, Dennis Kezar, Steve Nelson, Kurt Muzzy, Scott Muzzy, Jerry Muzzy, Arve Moser and Terry Soine and his fellow employees from the Soo Line
MILITARY HONORS: American Legion and V. F. W., Thief River Falls, MN