Obituary of James Paul Koshenina

James Paul Koshenina

Born: April 2, 1954

Passed Away: October 6, 2023

James (Jim) Koshenina passed away unexpectedly on October 6, 2023, leaving all around him saddened, shocked and heartbroken. Jim was born on April 2, 1954, to Bernard (Ben) and Elaine Koshenina of South St. Paul. Jim was the oldest of six children. Jim graduated from South St. Paul High School in 1972. He chose to enlist in the US Navy and specifically, as a proud member of the Seabees, and he was honorably discharged in 1978 having served during the Vietnam War. Upon discharge from the Seabees, Jim was reintroduced to the girl next door, Lynn, and sparks flew. Lynn and Jim were married in 1979 and shared 44 years of marriage together. Jim and Lynn raised three children together, Paul, James & Mary. While raising three children, Jim worked hard as a Class A truck driver in the greater Twin Cities area. Jim had a tremendous love of model tanks and anything having to do with World War II history and he REALLY loved trains. Jim was an avid HO-scale model railroader who built large train set-ups and there are few people who took more joy in showing off their work than Jim did showing his children and grandchildren his model train setups. Jim was known for his epic battles of cribbage against his friends and family along with a quiet competitive streak that would only show itself when he was playing card or board games against loved ones. Behind everything, Jim was a gentle soul who was known for being quiet, but that didn’t mean that he wasn’t listening. Jim didn’t say a lot of words, so when he spoke, he made those words count and everyone listened.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Lynn, and his children Jimmy (Nikki) and Mary Kube (Jeremy). He is also survived by his grandchildren Katelyn (Breyden), Charlie, Maddie, Jacob, and Zaden. Jim is also survived by his mother, Elaine, sisters Dorothy (Brian) Nelson, Rita Scott, and Joan (Glenn) Anderson, many nieces, nephews, and cousins, and his grand fur babies. He was preceded in death by his father, Bernard (Ben) Koshenina, his son Paul, his brothers Mark, and David (Shari), and his granddaughter, Kaydee (Caine). Everyone will miss him terribly.