James A. “Congo” Jurek, 62, of Cloquet, Minn. passed away Friday, Feb. 8, 2019 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Duluth.

He was born March 6, 1956 to Anthony and Marjorie (Jezierski) Jurek and graduated from Cloquet High School in 1974. Jim attended DAVTI Carpentry and later the Minnesota School of Barbering.

Jim was very active with the Cloquet Hockey Association. He loved theater and was involved with the County Seat Theater Company, where he was recognized for his continual love and support for the performing arts. Jim was a Master Barber and owned Jim’s Barber Shop on Cloquet Avenue. He was an avid sportsman; his favorite holiday was Christmas, and he was known as “Mr. Christmas.” Jim was also a member of Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Cloquet.

Jim was preceded in death by one brother, Gary Jurek. He is survived by his parents, Tony and Marge Jurek; brothers Daniel, Mark (Carol), Kevin, and Todd (Debra) Jurek; and numerous nieces, nephews, and countless friends.

Visitation: 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2019 at Nelson Funeral Care in Cloquet, with a Rosary Service at 7:30 p.m. Visitation resumes at 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 14 until the 11 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at Queen of Peace Catholic Church.

Nelson Funeral Care assisted the family with the arrangements.