James Sabinske of Chanhassen and Surprise, AZ, passed away at age 81 on July 18, 2022. Jim was born on April 18, 1941, to William and Virginia Sabinske and was raised on a farm outside Amiret. Jim graduated from Tracy High School where he was on the wrestling team.
On Sept. 30, 1960, he married a former classmate, Janet Mielke. They moved to Riverton, WY, where their son Dean was born in 1962. In 1964, they moved back to Minnesota where Jim worked as a Cement Mason for the Minneapolis Cement Masons Union until his retirement in 1997. After retirement, he did various cement projects for friends and family and received many compliments on his craftsmanship.
Jim and Dean were very close and both avid fans of boating, snowmobiling and NASCAR. They also attended many swap meets and auctions as Jim was a collector of antique toys and memorabilia, especially John Deere. It was always the “hunt” that he enjoyed the most.
Upon his retirement, Jim and Jan spent winters at their home in Surprise where they made many friends and enjoyed the warm and sunny weather.
Jim was a great neighbor and friend in both Minnesota and Arizona. He was always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone that needed it.
Jim is survived by his wife Janet, son Dean (Terry), 5 siblings, in-laws, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Mary Ann and brother Joe.
Jim’s Celebration of Life will be on Sunday, Oct. 9, from 2-5 p.m. at the American Legion in Chanhassen.