James Sheridan obituary
James C. Sheridan, 90, born October 10, 1933, passed away peacefully on December 14, 2023, with his family by his side.
Jim’s life was anchored by a deep sense of pride and unwavering dedication to the values he held dear. At the core of his identity was his faith. Jim was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic faith. His spiritual beliefs shaped his decisions and actions throughout his life.
Jim had a very strong sense of duty to his country. After two years of attending St John’s University in Collegeville, Minn. and being involved in the ROTC program, he enlisted in the Army on November 13, 1953. He was with the 8017 Army Unit, IX Corps at Sendai, Japan. Jim was very proud to be a soldier in the Army and be able to serve his country. He received the following medals: Expert Rifle, Expert Carbine, Good Conduct, and National Defense. Jim became a very active veteran. In Crookston, Minn., he was a lifetime member of American Legion Post 20, VFW Post 1920, and Disabled American Veterans Chapter 14 where he served many years as the commander. Jim was also a lifetime member of Disable American Veterans Chapter 2 in Grand Forks, N.D.
Jim’s commitment extended to his personal life, where his love and devotion to his wife were paramount. Shortly after returning from the service, Jim enrolled at Valley City State University and graduated with a BS degree in 1957. This is where he met the love of his life, Phyllis Olson. They were married August 11, 1956, at Saint Arnold’s Catholic Church, in Milnor, N.D., and spent the next 67 years going through life together. After nights and summers of traveling to UND in Grand Forks, N.D., Jim earned his Master of Education Degree in 1963.
Jim taught mathematics for 36 years. The first five years in Fertile, Minn. and the next 31 years at Crookston Central High. Jim had a love of teaching and wanted every student to understand what he taught. He also threw in a few good life lessons for his students to take with them. Jim (Mr. Sheridan) retired from teaching in 1993 and was awarded teacher of the year that year by his colleagues, which was a big honor for him.
Equally significant was Jim’s dedication to his family. He embraced the responsibilities and joys of parenthood. Jim and Phyllis had five children, Jimmy (James), Mary, Danny (Daniel), Jane and John by the end of 1964. Jim planned his life around the children as they grew. There were many camping trips across the USA to state and national parks. Many, many sporting events to take in and of course all the activities and programs at Crookston Central High. No matter where the family was traveling, a Catholic Church was found, and mass never missed. Jim purchased land by Lengby, Minn. and built a cabin there so he could share one of his biggest passions, deer hunting, with his boys. Fall into winter was Jim’s favorite time of year. The land was the perfect place for Jim to take the family hiking as well as cross-country skiing. Jim’s other interests were fishing (especially in the wilderness of Manitoba on Lake Winnipeg), playing cards and traveling. Jim and Phyllis spent several winters in Texas.
Jim’s life was defined by a proud and dedicated commitment to his faith, his country, his wife and family, and his community. These pillars provided the framework for his values, actions, and the legacy he aimed to leave behind.
Jim is survived by his wife, Phyllis; five children, James (Carol) of Hawley, Minn., Mary (Mike) Springer of Clearbrook, Minn., Daniel (Denise) of Burnsville, Minn., Jane (Brent) Urbach of Old Frontenac, Minn., and John (Renae) of Eden Prairie, Minn., 12 grandchildren, six great grandchildren and one great great grandchild, his brother, William (Ardis) Sheridan of Lincoln, Calif., and many nieces and nephews. Jim was proceeded in death by his parents, William and Emma Sheridan, his sister, Kathleen Bueling, brother-in-law Les Bueling, nephew Bruce Bueling, grandson Cory Amundson, and great granddaughter Kylie Morgan McKnight.
Our heartfelt thanks to the staff at St Elizabeth’s Care Center for the care they gave Jim.
Funeral Service to be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, January 20, 2024, at St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Church, 419 W. Lyon Ave, Lake City, MN 55041. A light reception will follow the service from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Interment - Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis, Minn., with Full Military Honors - May 10, 2024, at 1 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, as an expression of sympathy, donations in memory of James C. Sheridan can be made to Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Chapter 14, Mail to: DAV Treasurer - Mike Elwood, 941 Alexander St, Crookston, MN 56716.