A small-town pastor with a reputation for service died moments after doing what he always did—helping someone in need.

James S. “Jim” Bzoskiek, 76, of Hastings, Minnesota, passed away on December 19, 2025, shortly after assisting a motorist stuck in snow outside his Cornerstone Bible Church, as People reports.

According to family and local authorities, Bzoskiek returned to the church after helping the motorist and collapsed, with his daughter later confirming the likely cause was a heart attack.

Pastor Served Faithfully for Nearly 50 Years

Bzoskiek founded Cornerstone Bible Church in 1979 and served as its shepherd ever since, giving nearly five decades of his life to ministering in Hastings and throughout Dakota County.

He wasn't just a Sunday preacher—Bzoskiek worked closely with the Dakota County Sheriff’s Office as a chaplain, encouraging law enforcement officers, supporting jail staff, and praying with inmates.

Earlier the same day he died, the pastor was preparing holiday gift bags for those behind bars—a telling reminder of where his priorities lay: service before self.

Final Moments Reflect a Lifetime of Giving

As his daughter Sarah Lindner put it, “He was helping people until those very last moments.” His final act wasn’t symbolic—it was who he was, through and through.

“I had a friend tell me he served right up to the bell,” she added, noting that her father wouldn't have wanted it any other way. Some walk the walk—and Jim finished the race without slowing down.

News of his passing quickly spread through the community and into law enforcement circles, where he was a fixture of compassion and dependability.

Law Enforcement Honors a Steady Presence

On December 22, the Dakota County Sheriff’s Office posted condolences, calling Bzoskiek a “constant and trusted presence” since 1979. In today’s era of declining trust in institutions, that kind of stability matters.

“He helped build and sustain our jail programming, served faithfully as our chaplain, and provided steady encouragement, perspective, and humor for decades,” the department wrote.

Even the sheriff himself, Joe Leko, noted plainly, “He didn't do this to pad his pocketbook, he did it because he had a big heart.” In a world increasingly driven by self-interest, that kind of motive seems nearly countercultural.

Community Pulls Together After Loss

In the days following Bzoskiek’s passing, friends and neighbors rallied to support his family. Renee Harwood-Souza organized a GoFundMe campaign to cover funeral and burial expenses.

“As founding pastor of Cornerstone Bible Church in Hastings, he lived his calling fully—showing up wherever God placed a need,” Harwood-Souza noted, capturing a pastoral philosophy increasingly rare in modern ministry.

Fellow pastor Kent Begnaud, a longtime friend, reflected, “He knew his purpose in life… and he did it with all his heart.” Not everyone knows what they’re meant to do—but Jim did, and he did it well.

Thousands Expected to Honor His Legacy

A celebration of life service for Bzoskiek is scheduled to take place on January 10, 2026, at Hastings Middle School. If attendance mirrors the impact he had, it’ll be standing room only.

As the sheriff’s office summed up, “Jim had a natural way of connecting with people and a genuine love for community.” That wasn’t branding or social media fluff—it was real.

In this age of performative activism and selective compassion, Bzoskiek’s life is a reminder that humility and steadfast service never go out of style.