James Harvey McChesney

James Harvey McChesney, affectionately known as “Jim” by many, “Mac” by others, was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. He died peacefully at the age of 91 on November 15, 2024, at his home in Campbell, MN, with his loving daughters by his side. The funeral service will be held at Breckenridge Lutheran Church in Breckenridge, MN, on Monday, November 25, 11:00 am, with a visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will be held in Riverside Cemetery, Campbell, MN. Arrangements have been entrusted to Joseph Vertin and Sons Funeral Home, Breckenridge.

Born on March 9, 1933, in Wahpeton, ND, to Walter and Margaret “Babe” (Diederich) McChesney, Jim was surrounded by family from an early age. His father’s work as a railroad man led the family to various towns, including Grand Forks and Devils Lake, where Jim graduated from High School in 1951. A natural athlete, Jim’s talent on the baseball field earned him a place in the Minor League, where he proudly pitched for the Fargo-Moorhead Twins, a farm team for the Cleveland Indians, playing with legends like Roger Maris, and against others like Hank Aaron. His passion for sports continued until he answered the call to serve his country during the Korean War, an experience he carried with honor throughout his life.

On September 8, 1956, Jim married the love of his life, Marilyn Johnson. Their journey together began the very next day when they moved to Mayville, ND. As Jim pursued his education at Mayville State Teachers College, he and Marilyn built a life rich in love and dedication. After graduating, they settled in Waubun, MN, where he began his teaching career, later moving to Kindred and ultimately making Campbell their forever home in 1966.

Though Jim made noteworthy contributions in baseball – earning a place in the ND Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame and a team induction in the Mayville Hall of Fame – he loved and competed in many sports and games. Basketball (captain of his college team), softball, bowling, dart throwing, cornhole, fishing, cards, even lawn jarts and “hillbilly golf” – he played them all, and usually won. A fellow teacher once said, “If someone invents a game today, Jim McChesney will be an expert at it by the end of the week.” 

Jim not only played sports, he also devoted time to coaching young athletes, imparting his love of sports and the values of teamwork and perseverance. When he wasn’t coaching or teaching, Jim was spending time in his shop, creating beautiful woodwork pieces and visiting with friends. He enjoyed sharing a “happy hour” or two with friends and family at his shop and at his lake cabin on Round Lake. Like clockwork, Jim called his daughters each day to check in on them, ensuring they knew he was thinking of them often.

Jim is lovingly remembered by his daughters, Jane (Mark) Kelly and Karen (Stephen) Georgakas; grandchildren, Alison Kelly (Reese Martin), Darren (Taylor) Georgakas, James (Whitney) Georgakas, Alexandra Georgakas; and great-grandchildren, Nora and Noelle Georgakas and McKenzie Martin. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marilyn; parents, Walter and Margaret; grandson, Alexander Kelly; and sister, LaVonne Lees.