James Ferguson
James “Jim” Ferguson, age 85, of Canby, Minn., passed away peacefully on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, at Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, S.D. Memorial services for Jim will be held at 3 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 30, at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Canby. Prior to the service, there will be a visitation at the church from 2-3 p.m. Casual dress requested. A Celebration of Life and dinner, as requested by Jim, will be held at the Canby Sportsman’s Club beginning at 4 p.m. Houseman Funeral Home, Birk Chapel in Canby, is entrusted with the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church or the Canby High School FFA Chapter.
Jim was a lifelong farmer and resident of Canby. For Jim, farming was more than a profession—it was a way of life. He spent his years working the land, planting and harvesting crops, and taking great pride in caring for the fields he called home. His dedication to farming reflected his strong work ethic, perseverance, and deep connection to the land.
Jim was united in marriage to his cherished wife, Cheryl, in 1989. Together, they shared a life filled with family, hard work, and many special memories. Jim and Cheryl also enjoyed traveling and cruising, and spending time with friends and family along the way.
He will be remembered for his hardworking spirit, his love of farming, his lifelong roots in Canby, and the quiet strength he brought to those around him. Jim took great pride in the appearance of his corn and soybean fields, especially the perfectly straight rows. His friends often joked that Jim was using GPS long before it was ever invented.
Jim leaves behind a lasting legacy in the land he farmed, and most importantly, in the family he loved. The fields he cared for, the places he traveled, and the memories he created with family and friends will remain a reminder of a life well lived.
Jim will be lovingly missed by his wife, Cheryl; his stepson, Sean (Jennifer) Huset and grandchildren Bennett and Lily; and his daughter, Diane (Steve) Sroka and grandchildren Tyler and Dustin. He also is survived by his brother, Gene; special nephew, Tim; and special niece, Kristi; as well as many other family and friends.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Ted and Margaret Ferguson; his beloved son, Gary; his brother, Dennis; niece, Kathy; nephew, John; sister-in-law, Marie; and his in-laws, Steve and Jeanne Shupick.
Honorary pallbearers will be Jamie Borstad, Tim Ferguson, Josh Peterson, Dave Mercer, Curt Hoffman, Bryan Bursack and Butch DeVos. Jim’s combine/tractor buddy, snack manager and biggest fan, Bennett Huset, will proudly carry his Grandpa’s urn.
“Farmers who wait for perfect weather never plant. If they watch every cloud, they never harvest.” Ecclesiastes 11:4