James Flies obituary

James “Jim” Robert Flies, 80, of Lake City, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on February 8, 2025, surrounded by his loving wife and five children. James was born to Paul Sr. and Lois Flies on June 17, 1944, in Wabasha, Minnesota. He grew up alongside his siblings on the family farm in Kellogg, where he learned much more than just hard work. The farm taught him teamwork and how to be resourceful. Jim was a craftsman who built and fixed things, always finding ways to make things work with a list in his hand and a plan to get it done. In his youth, Jim was a three-sport athlete at Plainview High School graduating in 1962 and remained an avid long-distance runner throughout his life, organizing local running events.
Jim married Sharyn Ann Kruger on September 19, 1964, in Plainview, Minnesota at St. Joachim’s Catholic Church. They shared 60 years of adventure and cherished memories. His legacy lives on with his five children, ten grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren, who will treasure the lessons he taught and the love he gave.
Jim proudly served in the United States Air Force before spending the next 45 years with De Laval, where he became a recognized dairy expert. Traveling the globe, he designed state-of-the-art dairies. As a fifth-generation Flies family member who settled in Wabasha County, he recently obtained Luxembourg dual citizenship, a milestone he shared with many other Flies relatives. He was a 50-year member of the Plainview Wm. Allen American Legion Post.
One of Jim’s greatest joys was his garden. He tended to his garden with the same care he gave his family and friends. People came from near and far to admire his lilies and the bounty he grew and he always shared the gifts of his hard work and dedication.
Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Sharyn Flies; his children, Kerrilynn Witty of Burnsville, Minn., Katherine (Corey) Beyer of McMinnville, Ore., Aaron James (Melissa) Flies of Vancouver, Wash., Mary (Mark) Vukadinovich of Burbank, Calif., and Mitchell (Stephanie) Flies of Vancouver, Wash. He was a proud grandfather to Kayla (Nathan) Schneider, Anna (Colton) Borwege, Emma, Molly and Sam Beyer, Foster, Marigold, and Arden-Rose Flies, Millicent and Otto Vukadinovich, and a loving great-grandfather to Emmett James and Shay Borwege, and Elsie James Schneider. Jim is also survived by his siblings, Ken Flies, John (Joyce) Flies, Jerry (Irene) Flies, Dave (Jeannine) Flies, Don Flies, Steve (Pat) Flies, Paul (Gwen) Flies, Debbie Flies, and Kevin (Rhonda) Flies, as well as his sister-in-law, Linda (Bill) Flies. Jim is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and extended family. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Paul Flies, Sr. and Lois Flies; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Don and Catherine Kruger; his brother, Bill Flies; his brother-in-law, Bob Kruger; and his sisters-in-law, Donna Kruger, Shirley Kruger, Marlys Flies, Millie Flies, Jule Kruger, and Barb Kruger.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 15, at St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Church in Lake City, with Father Michael Churchill officiating. Following the service, a Celebration of Jim’s Life will be held from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, February 15, at the Plainview American Legion. Jim will be interred with Full Military Honors at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery at a later date in Preston, Minn.
Arrangements by Schleicher Funeral Homes, Lake City Chapel.  Guest register may be signed at www.schleicherfuneralhomes.com.