James “Jim” Kost, 81, of Washburn, a beloved husband, devoted father of three and a cherished grandfather and great-grandfather, died Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Edgewood Dominion, Bismarck, ND. Funeral Services for Jim and Donald will be held at Washburn United Methodist Church on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at 10:30AM. Visitation will be one hour prior at the church. Burial will be in Riverview Cemetery, Washburn, ND.

Jim was born on October 28, 1944, to Albert and Eunice (Keck) Kost. He was raised and educated in Washburn and attended Washburn Public School. Jim was raised with two brothers, Terry and Donald “Don”. Together Jim and his oldest brother Terry enjoyed breaking horses or as Jim would say, “ride the buck out of them.”

He met the love of his life Cheryl Brashears in 1964. The couple later married on February 28, 1965. Together they raised three children, Shannon, Cindy and Chondra.

Jim started farming at a young age with his best friend whom he also called dad. Farming was never a job for him because he loved what he was doing. When he was done planting his crops or harvesting his own, he was custom combining for other farmers for 55+ years. Farming was his lively hood and many of the people he combined for became lifelong friends.

He was a member of many clubs including Washburn Gun Club, Snowmobiling, and the Golf Club.

Jim is survived by his three children, Shannon (Lisa) Kost, Cindy (Terry) Walcker, Chondra (Morris) Kost-Bauer, grandchildren, Allie, James, Derick, Dalton, Cameron, Tori, great-grandchildren, Nash, Noxy, Elzay, Lorelei, Juniper.

He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, and brothers.

Jim will be greatly missed by all who got to know and love him.