Jimmie E. Buss

Jim Buss, of Cottage Grove, was united with Christ on January 28, 2025. He’s survived by Karen, his loving wife of nearly 55 years, sons Chris (Caryn) and Dan (Jaime); grandkids, Dylan, Alyssa, and Drew; siblings, Bill (Judy), Marv, Sandy (Mark), sister-in-law, Mary, and many nieces and nephews. He’s greeted in Heaven by parents, Linda and Bernard, and brother, Don.

Jim was born on December 10, 1948 in Reseburg, WI. He grew up on a farm where he learned the value of hard work.

He served as an Army Sergeant in Vietnam and was assigned Tank Commander earning 3 Bronze Medals and a Purple Heart (among other medals of recognition). Upon returning home, he married Karen Bandor on February 28, 1970 and moved to the Twin Cities where he started work at North Star Steel. He retired from Gerdau Ameristeel in 2009.

Jim coached youth sports for 35 + years (including his sons and grandkids), served on the CGAA Basketball Board, ran tournaments, and was CGAA equipment director. He made a positive impact on many young athletes in the community, and he never missed any of his grandkid’s games.

Jim was an avid sportsman playing softball into his 60’s alongside his boys while Karen score kept. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting and fishing.

The family cabin, The Buss Stop, was his happy place where he spent time hunting, tending the trails, working on projects, admiring sunsets on the patio, and having conversations around the bonfire.

Jim was always the first to arrive and last to leave a gathering. He valued quality time with loved ones above all else. He also selflessly gave his time to help with any project and mastered each one with perfection.

He is incredibly loved and will be greatly missed.

Our deepest gratitude to the dedicated staff of ‘Dignity Lane’ at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center.

Visitation will be Friday, February 7, 4pm-7pm at the Kok Funeral Home (7676 80th St. S, Cottage Grove) with Memorial Service Saturday, February 8, at 11am (visitation one hour prior) at St. Luke Lutheran Church (7000 Hinton Ave. S, Cottage Grove). Interment following service at Cottage Grove Cemetery (10999 70th St. S, Cottage Grove). Luncheon to follow at American Legion Post 98 (328 Broadway Ave, St. Paul Park).

Donations are preferred in lieu of flowers to VFW Post #9057 in Thorp, WI.

LIVESTREAM INFORMATION: For those who would like to participate in Jim's service via livestream, you can watch the service on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at 11 AM (CST). It can be viewed by scrolling to the bottom of this page and click PLAY to begin. Please leave a message of support on our Tribute Wall to let the family know you were able to watch the service. If you are having troubles with the Livestream, the service will be available to watch later in the day.