A Minnesota community is grieving the sudden loss of a beloved pastor and chaplain who died after helping a stranded motorist near his church — a final act that reflected a lifetime devoted to faith, compassion, and selfless service.

James “Jim” Bzoskie, 76, collapsed and died on December 19 after assisting a driver whose car had become stuck in the snow near Cornerstone Bible Church, where he served as pastor. According to WCCO, Bzoskie returned inside the building after helping the motorist and was later found unresponsive. His daughter, Sarah Lindner, said he likely died of a heart attack.

Earlier that day, Bzoskie had been preparing gift bags for inmates at the Dakota County Jail — a ministry he had faithfully carried out for decades. His passing has left an outpouring of grief across Minnesota, particularly among law enforcement officers and inmates whose lives he touched through his steady presence and compassionate faith.

Dakota County Sheriff Joe Leko described Bzoskie as an irreplaceable part of the department for nearly 50 years. “He did it because he had a big heart,” Leko said, noting that Bzoskie regularly led Bible studies, supported deputies during difficult moments, and offered comfort following tragedies, including suicides and the loss of first responders.

Jacob Schak, a jail program sergeant, said Bzoskie faithfully conducted Bible study every Tuesday for inmates, many of whom came to rely on his encouragement and spiritual guidance. The Dakota County Sheriff’s Office echoed those sentiments in a Facebook post, calling him a “constant and trusted presence” since 1979.

“He helped build and sustain our jail programming, served faithfully as our chaplain, and provided steady encouragement, perspective, and humor for decades,” the statement read. “When the work was heavy, Jim was there. When there was something to celebrate, he was there too.”

The post continued, “Jim had a natural way of connecting with people and a genuine love for community. He found joy in being around others, and he never slowed down when it came to showing up for people.”

Beyond his work with the sheriff’s office, Bzoskie also served as chaplain for the Hastings Police and Fire Departments. His obituary described him as a man who dedicated his life to faith, compassion, and service — values he lived out daily rather than simply preached.

His daughter shared that he deeply loved the Christmas season and was preparing for it at the time of his death. In a poignant detail that has touched many, she said his final words were, “Merry Christmas.”

Renee Harwood-Souza, who organized a fundraiser to support Bzoskie’s family, said he ministered faithfully to jail staff, inmates, and law enforcement officers for nearly 50 years. Fellow pastor and longtime friend Kent Begnaud described him as a man with a deep sense of purpose who served wholeheartedly.

Visitation will be held Jan. 9, 2026, at the Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel in Hastings, with a second visitation on Jan. 10 at Hastings Middle School, followed by a service officiated by Pastors Kent Begnaud and Paris Pasch. A private burial will take place later at Lakeside Cemetery.

The obituary also notes that Bzoskie was a lifelong fan of the Minnesota State Fair and held Minnesota Wild season tickets for more than 20 years — small joys that reflected his deep love for community and connection.

In life and in death, Pastor Jim Bzoskie embodied Christ’s call to love others — even in the snow, even in the final moments, and always without hesitation.