James (Jim) Douglas Houk lost his fierce 708-day battle with stomach cancer on December 17th.

Jim was born in Sioux Falls, SD on March 6th, 1940, to Helen (Cavanaugh) and Neil Houk. He was a member of the Washington High School Class of 1958 and a legion baseball player. Jim attended the University of Sioux Falls until he decided to enlist in the US Marine Corps in June of 1958. He had an honorable release from active duty as a Master Sergeant in 1961. He traveled extensively with the Corp and held an unwavering and incredible love for his country. In Sioux Falls he met and fell in love with a beautiful young lifeguard named Rosalie Johnson. They married in 1963, raised three daughters, and shared an incredible 60 years together. Rosalie preceded Jim in death by only 34 days.

Jim's professional career spanned 51 years in the oil and gas business. Jim's work moved him and his family many times from South Dakota to Kansas and Oklahoma. He worked for Champlin, Fina and Sinclair.  He developed lifelong friendships with his business contacts and planned a yearly hunt for his customers for 28 years.

Jim spent his life exploring and enjoying the great outdoors. He was an avid and skilled hunter, fisherman, golfer, and marksman, and was a member of numerous gun clubs and pistol ranges. Known for rescuing Rory the racoon, Snowball the cat and an injured hawk, Jim exhibited a profound appreciation and love towards animals. You could always find his Cavalier King Charles Spaniel "Cash" by his side for the past 8 years.

Most people wouldn't know he loved to figure skate, pick wild plums with his grandkids to make his famous jelly, and play the guitar with the folk band of his Lutheran Church. It was a wonderful day when he would grill his favorite Uncle Ed's ribeye steaks for all his family and friends.

Minnesota held a special place in Jim's heart, and he was a lifelong Twins fan. He spent his summers pulling his girls and grandkids behind the boat on Lake Koronis, driving Rosalie nuts due to driving too fast while fishing, and golfing at Koronis Hills. At the end of the day, you could find Jim kicked back, basking in the nature around him.

Above all, Jim loved spending time and sharing his passions with his three daughters, nine grandchildren and many friends. He passed down his talents to his grandkids teaching them how to catch and filet fish, pitch knuckleballs, golf, trap shoot, and hunt safely. He was their biggest fan and was never too busy to miss one of their school or sporting events.

Jim will forever be remembered for his abundant care of his people.  He was a kind teacher and leader and loved his family to be together and learn new skills. The jet skis were always full of gas and the lake cabin was always stocked and ready for summers full of fun and adventure.

Jim is survived by his daughters Lynne (Brett) Riddle and Beth Ross, 9 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren and many other family and friends.  Jim has been reunited with his beloved wife Rosalie, daughter Lori, his parents and his sister Judith (Houk) Tasse'.

A celebration of life will take place for both Rosalie and Jim next summer on their anniversary, June 14th, 2024, at their favorite place, Lake Koronis.

If you wish, consider a donation to the Wounded Warrier Project