In a heartbreaking turn of events, a cherished Minnesota pastor lost his life after a selfless act of kindness, embodying the very values so often missing in today’s hyper-individualistic, progressive-driven culture.
According to People, on Dec. 19, 2025, James S. “Jim” Bzoskiek, a 76-year-old pastor from Hastings, Minnesota, suffered a fatal heart attack after helping a stranded motorist outside his Cornerstone Bible Church.
Earlier that day, Bzoskiek was at the church, tirelessly preparing gift bags for inmates—a testament to his unwavering commitment to the downtrodden.
After assisting the motorist trapped in the snow, he returned to the church, only to collapse from what authorities believe was a heart attack.
This wasn’t just a random act; it was the culmination of a lifetime of service, as Bzoskiek had been a pastor and chaplain in Dakota County since 1979.
As the founding pastor of Cornerstone Bible Church, he built a legacy of faith, not flashy social media clout or virtue-signaling stunts.
Bzoskiek’s reach extended beyond the pulpit, serving as a chaplain for the Dakota County Sheriff’s Office and shaping jail programming for nearly five decades.
His work touched law enforcement, jail staff, inmates, and families, offering a grounding moral compass in a society often swayed by fleeting cultural trends.
The Dakota County Sheriff’s Office mourned his loss on social media on Dec. 22, 2025, calling him a “constant and trusted presence” who brought encouragement and humor when times were tough.
“He was helping people until those very last moments,” said Sarah Lindner, Bzoskiek’s daughter, in an interview with KCCO.
Now, isn’t that the kind of legacy we should celebrate, instead of the hollow accolades handed out for woke posturing? Bzoskiek’s life was a quiet rebuke to a culture obsessed with self over sacrifice.
“He didn't do this to pad his pocketbook, he did it because he had a big heart,” said Dakota County Sheriff Joe Leko in an interview with WCCO, highlighting Bzoskiek’s genuine motives as a chaplain.
Sheriff Leko’s words cut through the noise—here was a man driven by conviction, not clout, in an era where too many chase applause over authenticity. A celebration of Bzoskiek’s life is set for Jan. 10, 2026, at Hastings Middle School, where the community will gather to honor a true servant.
Meanwhile, a GoFundMe organized by Renee Harwood-Souza supports the family with funeral and burial costs, a small way to ease their burden while the loss of such a pillar stings—a reminder that real community, not government handouts or progressive platitudes, steps up when it counts.