James "Jim" Kottsick

James “Jim” Kottsick, 69, of Mandan, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on August 29, 2024.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at Christ the King Catholic Church, Mandan. Burial will be at St. John’s Cemetery, rural Mandan. 

Visitation will be held Tuesday, September 3, 2024, from 5:00-7:00 PM at Weigel Funeral Home, Mandan, with a Rosary/Parish Vigil at 7:00 PM. Visitation will continue at the church one hour prior to the service on Wednesday.  

Jim was born on February 27, 1955 to Charles and Eleanor (Friedrich) Kottsick in Mandan. After graduating from Mandan High School in 1973, he went on to study Auto-body at North Dakota State School of Science, Wahpeton, ND. 

After graduation, Jim worked for a few body shops until 2001, when he started working for EMC Insurance where he later retired after 20 years. In 1975, Jim married Patty Bowers, and had four children, Lee, Kasey, Kristie and Kayla.

Jim was very devoted to his family and provided everything he could for them. He spent lots of time following his daughters and grandsons to their sporting events. He loved teaching them how to fix things and shoot shotguns. 

Jim could often be found in his yard or garage tinkering with stuff. He didn’t finish his projects to often as he was always willing to stop and help anyone that needed his expertise. Jim was very “handy” and was able to figure out a way to fix anything. He loved spending time on his childhood farm and was proud of the garden and fruit trees that he planted with family. 

Jim was an avid softball and volleyball player, winning many championships. He loved to fish and spent many evenings on the river during the summer. He enjoyed taking his family and friends out bird hunting at the farm or playing a game of pinochle.

Anyone who knew Jim knew that he was the most loving father, grandpa, brother and uncle a family could ask for. 

Jim will be deeply missed by his daughters, Kasey Piccalo and Kayla (Scott) Meckle: grandsons, Tony Piccalo Jr, Calby (Jade Hoff) and Trevin Geiger; step-grandsons, Tyler and Jordan Meckle; brothers, Chuck (MJ) Kottsick and Dave (Kathy) Kottsick; sisters, Marlene (Jack) Pulkrabek, Josie (Henry) Kalvoda and Kathy (Steve) Brown; many nieces and nephews; and several close friends. 

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Eleanor Kottsick; infant son, Lee Kottsick: infant daughter, Kristie Kottsick; brother, Gene (Edna) Kottsick; sister in-law, Marilyn Kottsick; and Darhl (Charlene) Bowers.