James D Pazdernik

Funeral mass for James D Pazdernik, 82, of New Salem, ND, will be 11:00 AM CDT, Thursday, March 12, 2026 at St. Pius V Catholic Church in New Salem. Burial will follow at St. Pius V Cemetery, New Salem, ND.

Visitation will be Wednesday, March 11, 2026 from 5 pm - 7 pm with rosary and vigil at 6:00 pm at the church.

James "Jim" David Pazdernik passed away on March 9, 2026, at Sanford Medical Center in Bismarck, surrounded by family. Jim was born September 6, 1943, in Breckenridge, MN, to Edwin and Marcella (Korinek) Pazdernik. Jim's passing leaves a profound emptiness in the lives of all who knew and loved him, yet the love, laughter, and kindness he shared so freely will forever live on in their hearts and be treasured by those who knew him.

Jim grew up on the family farm southeast of Breckenridge, which his parents purchased in 1943, the year he was born. Jim attended grade school in Doran, MN, and later went to high school in Breckenridge, graduating in 1961. After graduation, he attended NDSCS for automotive mechanics in Wahpeton, ND, for two years. He served in the North Dakota National Guard from 1961 to 1967.

While driving his '57 Ford Retractable Hardtop convertible, Bonita "Bonnie" Doll caught his eye, and a year later they were married on June 27, 1966, at St. Pius V Catholic Church in New Salem. During this time, Jim worked as a mechanic with his dad in their own shop, then for a short time in Kindred, and later at Smith Motors in Wahpeton, where he was employed for five years. He then spent a year working for Dave Miller, a local farmer, which marked the beginning of his long farming career.

The couple made their first home in Breckenridge, Minnesota, where their first two sons and only daughter were born. In the fall of 1971, they moved to a farm northeast of Sweet Briar Lake, where two additional sons joined the family. This is where they built their life and raised their family. Jim and Bonnie operated D&P Farms along with Douglas and Deb Doll from the fall of 1971 until March 2015. They were the first farmers west of the Missouri River to grow sunflowers. In addition, they raised other small grains, range cattle, and Suffolk and Columbia sheep. Jim and Bonnie moved off the farm into New Salem in February 2014 and officially retired from farming in 2015.

Jim was a member of St. Pius V Catholic Church in New Salem and Morton County Sportsmen. His hobbies included penny collecting, fishing, and hunting. Fishing and hunting were not only activities he enjoyed with his sons, but traditions that carried on with his grandchildren and, more recently, his great-grandchildren.

Jim also truly excelled at socializing and could strike up a conversation with just about anyone. He enjoyed going to "work" once a week to play cards with friends and loved competitive card games with Bonnie before her recent passing. He was a fan of the NDSU Bison, Minnesota Vikings, Timberwolves, and the Lynx. Jim supported his sons and grandsons for many years in wrestling and attended numerous sporting events and activities for his grandchildren over the years. What always brought a smile to his face was seeing his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and he cherished the time spent with all of them. It warmed his heart to see family together.

Jim will be remembered for his quick wit, soft heart, gift of gab, and dedication to his family. He was a proud Bohemian and at times showed his stubborn heritage. He leaves behind a lifetime of memories that will continue to bring comfort, strength, and love to his family. His heart was deeply broken when Bonnie passed less than five months ago, and we find comfort in believing they are reunited once more, his heart whole again.

He is survived by his children: Thomas James (Cynthia) Pazdernik, Mandan; Matthew Ronald (Tammy) Pazdernik, Mandan; Theresa Kaye (Terrance) Moravec, Bismarck; Michael Jay (Dana) Pazdernik, New Salem; and Mark Douglas Pazdernik, Carrington.

Grandchildren: Kayla (Slade) Ternes; Kimberly (Josh) Schlag; Kendra (Adam) Stein; Kasey (Tanna) Pazdernik; Kyler (Katelyn) Pazdernik; Karli Pazdernik; Tommy (Brittney) Moravec; Tessa (Zach) Baillie; Trace (Johanna) Moravec; Josephine Pazdernik; Jacklyn Pazdernik (fiancé Joseph Leingang); and Kenadie Pazdernik.

Great-grandchildren: Abrietta, Declan & Arlo Ternes; Benson & Hayes Schlag; Grayson, Haisley & Walker Stein; Maisie Pazdernik; Kimber & Drake Moravec; Asher & Adalynn Moravec; and two additional beautiful blessings on the way to arrive in June.

Sisters: Darlene Prochnow and Kathleen (Ronald) Barth; brothers Irvan (Tonya) Pazdernik and Ivan (Cindy) Pazdernik.

Brothers-in-law and their spouses: Douglas (Deb) Doll; Kevin (Mary) Doll; Charles (Pam) Doll; Harlan (Jodie) Doll; and David (Donna) Doll; sister-in-law June Doll; and brothers-in-law Darrell Kuhn and Keith Pagel.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Bonita; great-grandson Emerson Schlag; his parents, Edwin and Marcella Pazdernik; his brother Harold (Joyce) Pazdernik; sisters Elaine Pazdernik and Patricia (Kenny) Berndt; his wife's parents, Joseph & Helen Doll; siblings, brother Ronald Doll and sisters Doreen Kuhn and Joelene Pagel; and nephew Joshua Kuhn.