---

  Jesse James Chalich, 49 of Grand Forks, ND, took the final train to meet his Heavenly Father as he passed unexpectedly on March 11, 2026, at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks.  

   Jesse was born on September 21, 1976, to Joseph and Cheryl Chalich. He entered this world with his twin brother Justin at his side. The twins were welcomed home by older brothers Jason and Ben. Later, little sister Lacey joined the family at their home in Longville, MN. It’s here where he developed his love for lake life. Jesse, always the go-getter, started his young working days by catching and selling turtles for the Turtle Races. He moved on to work in the local grocery store.  Jesse graduated from Remer High School in 1995.  He attended Moorhead State University briefly before beginning the railroad career that would become a lifelong passion.

   From his early days, Jesse had a clear sense of the path he wanted to follow. That path led him to a life shared with his wife, Julie, a remarkable family, and countless friends and colleagues who meant so much to him.

   He started his career as a conductor/engineer in 1997 on the Northern Plains Railroad in central North Dakota. As a 4th generation railroader, the love for the industry and its culture ran deep in him. Jesse quickly moved into customer service, where his natural ability to connect with people quickly stood out. During that time, he also enjoyed coaching football at Midway Public School. Known for his genuine care for others and the trust he built with those around him, Jesse later transitioned into marketing and executive leadership roles, helping guide the company as it expanded from forty to more than two hundred employees. Over time, he rose through the organization, ultimately serving as President and Chief Operating Officer of the Northern Plains Rail companies - a role he led humbly with pride, integrity, and dedication until his final day. Under Jesse’s leadership, the company maintained exceptional employee morale and a culture that truly supported employees in putting safety and family first.

    Jesse furthered his leadership and industry knowledge through the Railway Management Program at Michigan State University. In 2014, he was recognized by Progressive Railroading as one of the rail industry’s “20 Rising Stars.” He also gave his time to several organizations, serving on the board of the Lake Superior Railroad Museum, as a former board member of the American Association of Railroad Superintendents, and for a term on the Park River Park Board.

   That first position with NPR brought Jesse to central North Dakota. It’s here where he met the love of his life, Julie Gehringer. Their love story was fast, but Jesse was always surefooted. He won over her family immediately and even her extended family fell in love with this charming boy from Minnesota. It was no surprise when they were engaged and ultimately wed in Pisek, ND, on June 24, 2000. Jesse and Julie raised their family in Park River, ND, where they spent nearly 20 years building a home and life together. They welcomed their firstborn, Jaden, followed by twins Morgan and Ethan, and finally Maggie, who completed their family. In 2021, they moved to Grand Forks as Jesse continued leading the growing Northern Plains Rail companies. They were devoted parents who took great pride in their four children and in building a close-knit family that remains strong today. 

   Family was incredibly important to Jesse.  He cherished time spent at the lake, golfing, fishing, hunting, watching sports, telling stories around the campfire and simply being together with family and friends. Jesse recently was enjoying his new role as Grandpa “Papa J” to 7-month-old Beckett. Jesse proudly cheered for the University of North Dakota—unless they were playing Minnesota, a rivalry he was always quick to laugh about. He was a devoted Minnesota sports fan, particularly of the Vikings, and like many fans, carried hopeful optimism into every season.

   Jesse lived a short, yet very full life with lessons we should all take from this coach’s playbook. He was truly one in a million. Jesse was a consummate, natural leader. He was a best friend to many, including his children, with innate compassion.  Regardless of the situation, Jesse always showed up with the exact perfect words and charisma to brighten even the darkest days. Jesse possessed an uncanny ability to tell a good story and was a comedy legend. He made even the most ordinary moments hilarious. It would be rare to be in his company without a solid laugh, even at the hardest of times. He was a true north compass with intuition and insights that always exceeded his years.  He was full of great perspectives that made him an absolute trusted advisor in both life and at work. Though his final run on the tracks came too soon, he has now driven his Golden Spike, leaving behind a legacy that will continue far beyond the horizon.

   Jesse leaves behind a family shattered by his passing, yet bound forever by his love: his beloved wife, Julie Chalich; his four children - son Jaden (Karin) of Grand Forks, ND, daughter Morgan (Gavin) of Grafton, ND, son Ethan (Abby) of Grand Forks, ND, and daughter Maggie of Grand Forks, ND; his precious grandson, Beckett; brothers Jason (Libby) Tabaka of Maplewood, MN, Ben Chalich of Grafton, ND, Justin (Jessica) Chalich of Maple Grove, MN; sister Lacey (Neil) Wherley of Grafton, ND, maternal grandmother Roberta Smith of Federal Dam, MN, mother-in-law Judy Gehringer, of Mohall, ND, sister-in-law Jessica (Ben) Fitzsimmons, of Mohall, ND. Numerous aunts and uncles, and many nieces and nephews who admired him greatly, along with his sweet, snoring pup, Archie.

   He is preceded in death by his parents, his father-in-law Thomas Gehringer, Sr., his brother-in-law Thomas Gehringer, Jr.; paternal grandparents and maternal grandfather. 

   The services were held on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Grand Forks, North Dakota: Amundson Funeral Home, Grand Forks, ND

---