James F. "Jim" Jacques

James Francis Jacques, age 73, of Winona, passed away on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at the Gundersen Health System Hospital in La Crosse.

Jim was born on July 12, 1951 in Rumford, Maine to Francis and Marie Jacques. The family moved to Winona, MN where he and his siblings (10 brothers and sisters) grew up. He graduated from Winona Senior High school in 1970 and attended Minnesota State Southeast Tech to gain a degree in Sales and Management. He worked for the family business with his parents at Jacques TV. He had a knack for conversation, naturally leaning into sales for work.

Jim met his bride-to-be, Barbara Andraschko, and they were married on May 9, 1980 in Winona, MN. Together they have two children: Rachel (Ian) Hollifield in Dayton, MN and Josh (Miranda) in Rushford, MN. He was a well-known salesman in the area, retiring from Volkmann Appliance in 2016. Outside of work Jim enjoyed spending time with his wife and kids where he would take them fishing on the Mississippi. He continued to share his enjoyment of fishing with his family and witnessed his youngest granddaughter catch her first fish! Camping was one of his other hobbies that brought a group of friends together through the years - where they celebrated a 50 year reunion (May 2024) that spans families and generations. Jim spent his early retirement years volunteering at Winona Health as a greeter and valet driver while he waited for Barb to join him in retirement. He enjoyed traveling and was able to visit Alaska and cross it off his bucket list in 2023. Jim will be lovingly remembered as a husband, brother, father, and grandfather. He donated his corneas to the Lion Foundation and will give someone the gift of sight. James is survived by his wife, Barb, their beloved dog, Chloe, and their two children, Rachel (Ian) and Josh (Miranda); his siblings, Ann (Jack), Bob (June), Rich (Cyndi), Renee, and Teresa (Steve); 4 grandchildren, and many other nieces, nephews and relatives.

He was greeted in heaven by his parents (Francis and Marie), and his sisters (Michele, Susie, Katherine and Lisa).

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11 AM on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in WInona. Father Russell Scepaniak and Monsignor James Andraschko will concelebrate. Visitation will be held in the Commons of St. Mary's Catholic Church on Saturday, May 17, 2025, from 10 AM until the time of the Mass. Following the Mass, military rites will be provided outside the church, and after the military honors, a luncheon and reception will be held in the church basement. 

Jim will be laid to rest at 11 AM on Monday, May 19, 2025, at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Preston, MN.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Winona Area Humane Society, or can be made directly to Barb for a bench to be made and placed at either Prairie Island Campground or Lake Winona in Jim's memory.