James "Jim" Tews

James “Jim” Dean Tews, 62, of Litchfield, Minnesota, passed away Monday, September 22, 2025, at Mayo Clinic in Rochester.

Visitation will be held Friday, September 26 from 4:00-8:00pm, at Saint Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Litchfield. Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 27 at 2:00pm, at Saint Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Litchfield, with a visitation one hour prior to service.  Interment will be at Lake Ripley Cemetery in Litchfield.

Jim was born April 1, 1963, in Litchfield to Marvin and Cora (Hellwig) Tews, the fifth of six children. He was raised on the family’s dairy farm south of town, where he learned the value of hard work and the love of the land. He was baptized and confirmed at Saint Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, where he remained a lifelong and active member.

In his youth, Jim was active in sports at Litchfield High School, where he lettered in football and wrestling, eventually qualifying for two state tournaments. He also spent countless hours playing backyard games with his siblings, fishing with his grandfather, and farming alongside his family. After high school, he attended Vo-Tech in Hutchinson and earned his diesel mechanics certification. He worked in construction before beginning a 30-year career with the City of Litchfield after being hired on Arbor Day, first in the street department and later as Code Enforcement Officer, a role he held until his passing.

In 1988, Jim married Sheila Skaggs, and together they built a home and a life south of Litchfield near the family farm. He took over full responsibilities of the farm in 2002, carrying on the tradition of dairy farming alongside his father and later his son. It instilled in him a love of the land and an appreciation for hard work that was second only to his dedication to his family, all values that he exemplified and made sure he passed down to his children. Farming wasn’t just his occupation — it was his calling, and he poured his heart into it with perseverance and pride.

While Jim worked hard, his greatest joy was always his family. He loved being a dad, and he was the kind of man who always answered the phone, offered steady advice, and showed up whenever anyone needed him. Becoming a grandpa to his two grandsons, Kase and Tate, was the role that lit him up the most. Whether roughhousing on the floor, sneaking in naps together, or building Legos side by side, Jim came alive in their company. They were his pride and joy, and he treasured every moment with them.

Jim gave back generously to his community. He stayed involved with Litchfield wrestling by helping with youth tournaments and eventually earned induction into the Litchfield Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2017. He served on the Greenleaf Township board and was committed to the First District Association, lending his time to causes that strengthened the place he called home. Friends, coworkers, and neighbors alike knew him for his steady dependability, his quiet wisdom, and his generosity of spirit.

Jim is survived by his wife, Sheila of Litchfield; his children, Jake Tews of Litchfield, and Sara (Paul) Vold of St. Cloud; grandsons, Kase and Tate; siblings, Dave (Jeanne) Tews of Jamestown, ND, Robert (Nancy) Tews of Morgan, Allen Tews of Jamestown, ND, John Tews of Litchfield, and Anita Tews of Litchfield; along with nieces, nephews, cousins, and many dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister-in-law, Jackie Tews.

Jim will be remembered for his unwavering dedication, his gentle wisdom, and the way he made everyone feel cared for. He had a steady presence, a heart as big as his hands, and his love was felt in countless quiet, everyday ways.