James “Jim” Richard Somsen, 70, Jamestown, ND formerly of Kensal, ND passed away on Father’s Day, June 17, 2018 at Eventide Jamestown, surrounded by his family.

James Somsen was born August 23, 1947 to David W. and Rose (Bata) Somsen at the New Rockford Hospital in New Rockford, ND. He was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Catholic Church, Kensal, ND. Jim attended school for six years at the Buceaphelia Country School, then he went to Kensal to finish his education, graduating in 1965 from Kensal High School. He then went to Wahpeton to study electronics. Jim graduated from there and then was drafted into the US Army in 1968. He served one year over in Vietnam in combat, returning home in May 1969. Jim received an honorable discharge.

Jim worked for his dad on the farm. On June 1, 1972 he met his future wife, Ione Marie Stockeland, who had come to work at the Agnes Beauty Salon. On June 1, 1973 they were united in marriage at the Union Lutheran Church at Hannaford, ND and lived on the family farm. Later he worked for the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service at the Arrowwood Game Refuge, Pingree, ND. They moved into Kensal for 10 years and later lived 10 years at Arrowwood Refugee.

After 31 years of service, counting his military service, Jim retired. Jim and Ione moved to a house in Jamestown. He started working for a couple of years at O’Reilly’s Auto Parts delivering parts. Jim then suffered a stroke so he was unable to work any longer. When his walking slowed down, he moved to Eventide Jamestown where he resided for three and a half years until his passing.

He was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Kensal, John Florhaug Post 103, American Legion, where he served at adjutant and commander for many years, VFW and DAV.

Jim is survived by his wife of 45 years, Ione, Jamestown; four sons Ryan, West Fargo, ND, Richard “Rick”, Hannaford, ND; Ronald “Ron” (Joanie), Kensal, ND, Rory (Whitney), Jamestown, ND; six grandchildren Kalli, Drew Somsen, West Fargo, Hayden, Berkley, Chase & Briar Somsen, Kensal; two sisters, Judy & Joyce, Jamestown; four aunts Johanna Somsen, Frances Dahl, Helen Schlotman, Dorothy Somsen; brothers-in-law Don (Mary) Stockeland, Cooperstown, James (Jodi) Stockeland, Hannaford; sister-in-law Marlene Skjeret, Dazey; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents and numerous aunts and uncles.

He is preceded in death by his parents, and grandparents, David and Phoebe Somsen, and Charlie and Alvina Bata and his in-laws, Oscar and Inez Stockeland.

Visitation will be 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM followed by a prayer service at 7:00 PM, Thursday, June 21 at Eddy Funeral Home, Jamestown, ND. Funeral service will be 10:30 AM, Friday, June 22 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Kensal, ND. Burial will be in Kensal Cemetery.

Online guest book: www.eddyfuneralhome.com

Arrangements by Eddy Funeral Home