James W. Blazek, 55, of Owatonna, died Monday, June 8, 2009 at his home. James William Blazek was born October 14, 1953 in Owatonna, Minnesota, the son of Clarence and Ruth (Schultz) Blazek. Jim was a 1971 graduate of Owatonna High School. He enlisted in the Air Force after graduation and served four years. On May 12, 1973 he was united in marriage to Kirsten (Kris) Neseth at Trinity Lutheran Church in Owatonna. They lived in Goldsboro, N.C. until his discharge from the Air Force in 1975, when they returned to Owatonna. He was a 1978 graduate of Albert Lea Technical School with a certificate in diesel mechanics. He and Kris had one son, Kevin. Jim and Kris later divorced in 1999. Jim worked during the time he was in school and for a number of years after at Steele Co Implement, and also at Matejcek Implement in Faribault. In 1988 he began work with Hydro Ax (Blount/Caterpillar) and traveled extensively during his 20 year tenure. He most recently lived in Australia while working for the company, returning to Owatonna in July of 2008. Jim was a pitcher for a number of fast pitch softball teams while he was in the Air Force as well as in Owatonna. He enjoyed helping to coach his son''s baseball teams and was an avid bow hunter and fisherman. He also loved riding his motorcycle. He will be deeply missed by his son Kevin and fiance Kari Shank, his sister Diane (Wayne) Kilmer, nephew Kyle and niece Kristina, sister Audrey (Leo) Rains and 3 nephews, Dale, Jason, and Joseph, as well as many extended family members and friends. Visitation will be at Michaelson Funeral Home on Friday, June 12, 2009 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Funeral services will be held Friday, June 12, 2009 at 11:00 AM at Michaelson Funeral Home with The Reverend Julie Malone officiating. Interment will be in the Aurora Lutheran Cemetery in Aurora Township at a later date. Visitation: 06/12/2009 10:00 06/12/2009 11:00 Service: 06/12/2009 11:00