On Saturday, November 15th, Minnesota Warriors Hockey will travel to Moorhead, MN for a special game and ceremony in honor of Jim Brekke, who dedicated much of his life to serving our country and youth hockey in the Moorhead area.

James (Jim) Brekke was born on September 27 1941 to Julius and Alma Brekke in Crookston, MN.  He attended school in Hibbing before moving to Buffalo, SD.  He worked on a ranch and began with the rodeos, where he rode bucking bronco and bulls.  He then moved to Minneapolis and entered the United States Army, where he served in Hawaii, Japan, and Vietnam.  After returning from Vietnam, he started working for Northwestern Bell.  After 26 years, he retired as a lead auditor for 14 states.

When Northwestern Bell transferred Jim from Grafton ND to Fargo, he wanted to live on the Minnesota side, where he thought the hockey was more established.  Jim became very active with the youth hockey program in Moorhead.  At this time, there was no artificial ice in Moorhead.  He was very instrumental in getting artificial ice in the Centennial building.  He was also instrumental, along with Steve Scheel, in organizing the beginning of the traveling squirts in Moorhead.  This benefited them to go outside the area for more competition.  Jim was president of Moorhead Youth Hockey from 1982-1984.  He then became director for the region.  He went on to serve on the board of directors for MAHA.  He also was vice president of publicity and promotions.  Minnesota Hockey has a puck in the Excel Energy Center in St. Paul MN honoring Jim for his years of service, with his name and number 827.

Being from the range, he prepared his sons to play hockey by enrolling them all in figure skating at the age of 3 and hockey at the age of 5.  Jim also had two granddaughters (McKenzie and Deva) who played hockey.  His youngest grandson Boden is just starting hockey in Montana.

Although Jim could never skate, he LOVED the game. At a father/son game, with everyone knowing he could not skate, they put him in the goalies net with tennis shoes on.

Minnesota Hockey dedicated their 2014-2015 handbook to Jim and Ralph Jasinski in appreciation for their tremendous service to young hockey players throughout Minnesota.

Jim was a life member of Dilworth VFW Post 1223.  He was also a member of the Moorhead American Legion Post 21, Viet Nam Veterans of America, International Jaycee Senator, the International Clown Club, Boy Scout Leader, and Pioneers of America.  He was VFW District 9 Junior Vice Commander before stepping down due to his illness.

Jim was diagnosed with lung cancer due to exposure to agent orange during his service in Vietnam.  With the excellent care and compassion of his doctors and staff at the Fargo VA hospital, he was able to be with us 2 ½ years longer than expected.

A special Thank You to the MN Warriors Ice Hockey team for honoring Jim with the retirement of the jersey and number.

Many thanks to all involved in making this honor possible from Jim’s wife Gail, children, all family members and friends.