James (Jim) Ray Kotschevar, 71, of Hot Springs, SD, passed away with family by his side on August 14, 2025, at Monument Health Hospital in Rapid City, SD. Jim was born February 20, 1954, in Richmond, MN, to Vincent and Rita (Hommerding) Kotschevar. He married Mary Kay (Nordmann) on June 18th, 1977.

Jim was a hard-working business man with strong ingenuity skills, and a keen ability to look at things from a different perspective. A cowboy at heart, he cherished his family and found true joy in the companionship of his horses. Jim was a founding member of the Stearns County Mounted Reserve and for many years worked as a mounted security member for WE Fest in Detroit Lakes, MN. Jim taught horsemanship classes at Three Rivers Park District's Mounted

Patrol Clinics and throughout several counties across Minnesota.

Jim owned his own metal fabricating shop (Service Equipment/Arena Fenceline) for over 35 years in Paynesville, Minnesota, specializing in the poultry, hog, and horse industries. He raised elk for over 15 years in Minnesota, but his true passion was raising and training horses.  There was never a time horses were not a part of Jim's life. He enjoyed horseback riding, hunting, playing cards, carbles, scenic drives through parks with his wife and dog Blu, along with spending time at Evans Plunge. He enjoyed sitting around the fire and sharing

stories. He treasured his family and enjoyed teasing/playing with his grandchildren. He also loved reminiscing about his time on local amateur baseball and softball leagues in MN.

Jim was preceded in death by his Father (Vince Kotschevar), Father-in-Law (Cyril Nordmann) and baby brother. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Mary Kay of Hot Spring, SD; children, Tony (Jen) Kotschevar of St. Martin, MN; Katie (Paul) Breth of Holdingford, MN; grandchildren, Mason (Jack), Mitchell, Myra, Maverick, Bennett, Chase, Trajan and Trigg, Mother Rita (Kotschevar), Mother-in-Law Lorraine (Nordmann) and six siblings.

A celebration of Jim's life will be held on Saturday, September 20th, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the St Martin Parish Hall (111 Maine St, Saint Martin, MN 56376) and at the Southern Hills Evangelical Free Church in Hot Springs, SD (1509 University Ave, Hot Springs, SD 57747) on Saturday, October 18th from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM.