James “Jim” Ruziska

James "Jim" M. Ruziska, age 73, of Moorhead, MN, died Saturday, March 12, 2011, in his home, surrounded by his family, under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley.James Martin Ruziska was born on September 10, 1937 to James C. and Deloris Murphy Ruziska in Moorhead, MN. Jim grew up and attended school in Moorhead. In 1955, Jim enlisted in the United States Army. After serving stateside for two years, he was honorably discharged in 1957. On February 15, 1958 he married Carol Opgrand in St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Moorhead. After their marriage, Jim and Carol lived in Fargo for two years before moving to Moorhead, where they have resided since. Jim was a truck driver for Fairway Foods for 33 years before retiring in 1992.Jim was a patient, generous, trustworthy man with strong family values who graciously taught his children to be proud of who they are and the importance of taking care of their families. He was a man of few words, but was always straight forward. One of Jim's greatest joys was spending time with his grandchildren, all of which had their grandpa wrapped around their fingers.Jim thoroughly enjoyed hunting and fishing during his time off. He enjoyed playing cards with his family every Sunday and when his family came to town. He also enjoyed playing bingo and had his own little bag of goodies that went with him. In his younger years, he enjoyed taking his entire family on family vacations once a year. Together they vacationed in California, Kansas, South Dakota and many other locations.Jim is lovingly survived by his wife of 53 years, Carol Ruziska of Moorhead, MN; three sons, Tim Shannon Ruziska of Moorhead, MN, Shannon Bobbi Ruziska of Fargo, ND and Jamie fiancé, Kelly Ruziska of Bloomington, MN; two daughters, Kim Ruziska of Moorhead, MN and Deanne John Halvorson of Barnesville, MN; fourteen grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, James C. and Deloris Ruziska; two brothers, Kaywayne and Terri Ruziska and sister, Linda Ruziska.