’59-’61 Football

Jim wanted a college that was close to home, and Estherville Junior College fit the bill. Some of the other reasons that he chose EJC included: the cost of the school, opportunity of a football scholarship, and the fact that credits transferred to South Dakota State University. 

While attending Estherville Junior College for his Associate of Arts Degree with a Science/Chemistry major, Jim not only partook in football, but was also the basketball manager. 

The Estherville Junior College football team had great success while Jim was there. He helped lead the team to not only its first win over the alumni, but also the first undefeated season with a record of 8-0. After the 1960 football season, Jim was selected to the Junior college All-American team. 

While at Estherville Junior College, Jim was lucky to be surrounded with great coaches, teammates, and instructors. Two of the most influential people to Jim while at EJC were Coach George Hess and William Blagen, who was Jim’s science instructor. 

One of Jim’s fondest memories was the fact that he got to play with 10 or more veterans who had served in the Armed Forces. He remembers these guys as being mature, disciplined, and tough. 

After graduating from Estherville Junior College, in 1961, Jim transferred to South Dakota State University. While at SDSU, Jim was selected the 2nd Team All-Conference guard in the North Central Conference and was invited to the coach’s clinic all-star game at North Dakota State. Jim graduated from SDSU in 1965 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Pharmacy.

Jim returned to Estherville to practice pharmacy and never left. He worked at Hoye Rexall Drug for four years before leaving to work at Hy-Vee in 1969. Jim retired from Hy-Vee full time in 2010.

Since retiring, Jim spends his time in both Iowa and Florida. He enjoys golfing, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. 

Jim would like to thank his wife and best friend of 49 years, Beth for everything that she has done for him. 

Congratulations to Jim on being named to the Laker Hall of Fame.