James Mistic

James "Jim" Mistic, aged 95, passed away peacefully on November 27, 2024. He was born on September 19, 1929, to Anna (Falk) Mistic and James P. Mistic Sr., in Nebish, MN. 

Jim worked on the family farm until he was drafted into the army in 1951. He served his time in the military on the west coast and was honorably discharged in 1953 with the rank of corporal. In 1953 he married Mary Lou Haley of Saum, MN. Together they had three children, Gary, Ann, and Robert. 

Jim worked in Bemidji for Beltrami County until 1954, but he knew that there would be more opportunities for advancement if they moved to Washington. He worked long and hard for his Uncle Henry Nipp carrying hod for the Nipp and Tuck Drywall in Longview, WA. He then moved on to Heavy Equipment Operator for Bob Radakovich Construction in Longview, WA. He quickly became well known and well respected for his equipment operation skills, work ethic, and superior problem-solving skills. This led to him hiring on with Kiewit where he was quickly elevated to Foreman and Working Superintendent on jobs in California, Oregon, Washington and Alaska. Again, with Kiewit he moved on to the Alyeska-Alaska Pipeline, Nelchina, Valdez, Nome, St Paul and Kodiak Island. Mary Lou and family traveled with him when it was possible. 

Jim retired in 1986, age 56. At the request of his friend, Dick Colf (Vice President of Kiewit) he returned to work briefly on the SR504 Mt Saint Helens Spirit Lake Hwy project. After which he retired again. Retirement for Jim meant that he only worked (six days a week) sunup to 4pm. After that it was his time for Mistic Happy Hour which was having drinks and snacks with his neighbors and loved ones. He enjoyed salmon fishing, hunting, and traveling with his wife in his spare time as well. 

Each winter when the retirement work was done, he and Mary Lou would pack up the motorhome and head to warmer climates, i.e. California, Arizona, Texas, Mexico, and Florida with their Kiewit friends. That continued until Mary Lou passed on in 2010.

In 2012 Jim married Barbara Thompson-Weatherford. They enjoyed travel and entertaining when they were able. In February of 2024 Jim, out of necessity, became a resident of Somerset Retirement home in Longview. He was there until the time of his passing. His caregivers appreciated his kind spirit dearly and continually commented about how "gracious and happy" a person he was. Jim had lived a good and long life, so had good reason to be happy. 

Jim is survived by his wife (Barb); daughter Ann (Dan) Bishop, son Robert (Amber) Mistic both of Castle Rock, WA; sisters Helen Widerski and Rosemarie (Mike) Weber both of Bemidji, MN; seven grandchildren and one great grandchild, and many nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his wife Mary Lou Mistic, son Gary Mistic, his brother Laurence Mistic and grandson Matthew Mistic. 

Jim will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His legacy of happiness, kindness to others, and generosity will continue within us all. His burial will be held privately with a Celebration of Life being planned for the spring/summer of 2025.