James Barstow Cepek

James Barstow Cepek June 23, 1930 - October 12, 2022
Born in Oak Park Chicago, to Kathleen (Maher) Cepek and Harold R. Cepek. Jim spent the
first twelve years of his life in Chicago, IL. Later moving to Duluth, MN where he enjoyed hockey and golfing with friends. During his time in Duluth, he graduated from Duluth High School and attended the University of MN Duluth. His passions were politics and history. He aspired to be a lawyer, but life would steer him in different directions. He had many jobs during his young adult years. Northland Country Club was the first and he often shared fond memories of the friends and experiences that he had there. Other jobs included assembly line worker at Koolerator Co, deckhand aboard the U.S. Clyde Iron Ore ship, warehouse worker for Russ Parker Wholesale Grocery Company and U.S. Naval Reserve, active duty, Jan. 1952- July 1953.
He met his forever sweetheart Barbara J. Lucy, while attending a dance at the (then) all girl
school St. Scholastica with a buddy. He noticed her from across the room and told his friend that he should ask the shorter girl to dance since he was shorter. Jim would dance with the taller girl, later known as his Barbie.
Jim married Barbara Lucy Cepek at St. James Catholic Church in Powers Lake, ND January
2,1954. After their wedding they returned to Duluth, MN where they made their home together and began their family. Jim's interests would lead him to serving as a State and Federal Agent, first with the MN Highway Patrol 1958, stationed in Eveleth, MN, and later in Crookston, Mn. In 1966 Jim began his career with the U.S. Border Patrol after completing his training at Port Isabel, TX. Jim's first posts were on the southern border. He and Barbara would move their growing family to Harlingen, TX, Tucson, AZ, Oceanside, CA and then to the Northern Borders, living in Columbus, ND and Portal, ND. During his Border Patrol career, he had many interesting details, serving at the AIM (American Indian Movement) at Pine Ridge, SD in 1973. In 1980 he was in Key West, FL during the Cuban Refugee Crisis and later in Washington D.C. transporting refugees to St. Elizabeth Hospital.
Jim retired at age 55 from the US Border Patrol. His strong moral fortitude was admired by
many. Not ready to sit still, he drove the Burke Central School bus for six years. Jim and Barbara had six children, Mary Kathleen, Michael James, Patricia Josephine, Jason James, James Anthony and Lucy Ann. They enjoyed camping, playing cards, games and fun rivalry with family including time spent together at the lake cabin in Canada. Jim and Barbara enjoyed traveling. One of their favorite trips was to the British Isles. Jim had many interests,
politics, reading, animal advocacy, drawing, painting, watching old movies and listening to
classical music.
Jim and Barbara enjoyed their retirement together living in Minot, ND, Bismarck, ND and
Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin.
James was preceded in death by his father, Harold Cepek; mother, Kathleen Maher Cepek;
brother, Bruce Cepek; daughter, Patricia Josphine Cepek; son, Jason James Cepek.
Jim is survived by his Wife of 69 years, Barbara (Lucy) Cepek; daughter, Mary Cepek
Christianson, her children, Ben (Yasmine), Ian and Michael; son, Michael Cepek, his
children, Padraic (Robyn), Paul; Jason's children, Aaron (Heather), Caitlin, Rachel (Wes); son,
James A. Cepek (Mary Jo), Jacob (Amanda), Christian, Jayme; daughter, Lucy Cepek Johnson
(Barry), children, Matthew, Aidan, Brianna, Colin and Patrick; 8 great grandchildren, Jayden, Cameo, Avery, Ira, Roman, Willa, Sepehr and Catherine; furthered survived by sister in-laws, Jean Lucy Anderson, Agnes Schaan Lucy, Marilyn Tande Lucy and many nephews and nieces.
LOVE YOU FOREVER, HIGH HO SILVER AWAY........until we meet again!
Memorials may be sent to the South Wood County Humane Society, and
Portage County Humane Society in Jim's name.
Ritchay Funeral Home in Wisconsin Rapids is assisting the family with arrangements.