James Leonard Eckstein was born January 3, 1943, in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, the son of Anton and Laura (Schiller) Eckstein. He was baptized at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye, and later confirmed at St. John's Catholic Church in Hector. Jim grew up in the Hector area, and graduated with the Hector High School Class of 1961. Jim worked at various jobs, and also for some local farmers, before enlisting in the United States Navy. He entered his service in the Navy on November 16, 1964, and specialized in boiler inspection and repair. Jim spent most of his time at sea during the Vietnam War, and received various medals, including three bronze stars. He was released from active duty on November 18, 1968, and from the Naval Reserve on November 15, 1970. Upon his discharge, Jim returned to the Hector area where he farmed until his retirement in 2010. On January 13, 1990, he was united in marriage to Jeanette Madden in the city of Rough and Ready, California. Jim and Jan made their home in the Hector area, and relocated to Hot Springs, South Dakota, after retirement. Jim was a member of the Carl O. Potter American Legion Post 135 in Hector, and the Fairfax V.F.W. Throughout his life he was an avid traveler to many places, both home and abroad. Jim enjoyed golfing. He worked very hard and played hard. Jim had a big heart, and no one was a stranger. On Thursday, January 10, 2013, Jim passed away at the V.A. Hospital in Hot Springs, South Dakota, having reached the age of 70 years. Blessed be his memory. Jim is survived by his Wife, Jan Eckstein, of Hot Springs, South Dakota; Step-Sons: Dan Madden and his wife Alecka of Worland, Wyoming, and Scott Madden and his Wife Lori of Worland, Wyoming; Step-Daughter Bridget Paich of Douglas, Wyoming; 8 Step-Grandchildren; Brother Melvin Eckstein and his Wife, Mary, of Fairfax, Minnesota; Sister Gladys Portner and Husband, Don, of New Ulm, Minnesota; Sister-in-Law JoAnn Eckstein of Hector, Minnesota; Nieces, Nephews, many other relatives and friends. Jim was preceded in death by his Parents, Anton and Laura Eckstein, Brother Anthony Eckstein, and Nephew David Eckstein.
