It’s been a couple of years since any survivors of the sneak attack that thrust this country into World War II were around to be honored at the Pearl Harbor Day Luncheon held annually in the Fox Valley. Our last known survivor was Everett “Jim” Schlegel, who loved attending the December luncheon until he became too ill for the 2021 event. He died that same month, on New Year’s Eve. However, .
James “Jim” Arthur Klassen, 88, of Babbitt died Saturday, January 7, 2023 at his home with his family by his side. Jim was born on April 7, 1934 in Plainview to Theodore and Margaret (Costello) Klassen. He was raised on the family farm in Plainview. After graduating high school, Jim entered the United States Navy and served six years from 1952 - 1958. During his years of service, Jim and Phyllis “Pat” Tschakert got married on January 26, 1957 in Chula Vista, CA. After leaving the service in 1958, Jim and Pat moved to the Dover-Plainview area and started their new lives together. Following this, Jim and Pat adopted three children over three years and began the crazy adventure of parenthood. Jim eventually went on to begin a career with American Family Insurance, working as an agent in Plainview. In 1971, Jim and the family moved to Minot, ND where he worked as a district manager. Following the children graduating from high school, they moved to Moorhead and he continued to serve