James Clauson
March 19, 1937-June 30, 2008
James "Jim" Lee Clauson, age 71, of Rolette, ND, passed away on Monday, June 30, 2008, in St. Alexius Medical Center, Bismarck, ND.
James "Jim" Lee Clauson was born on March 19, 1937, in Malta, MT, to Lynn and Dorothy (Taylor) Clauson. He attended Winkler Grade School in Cut Bank, MT, and Jr./Sr. High in Shelby, MT. During his senior year, Jim's family moved to Mott, ND, where Jim graduated in 1955. Jim continued his education in Wahpeton, ND, at the State School of Science. Jim moved to Minot, ND, where he began his career with Red Owl.
In 1958, he married Vernita "Rita" Knuth. Throughout the years, Jim, Rita and their family moved to several different cities in North Dakota and to Crookston, MN. He spent most of his career with Red Owl in Grand Forks, ND. In 1980, Jim and his family moved to Rolette, where Jim and Rita owned and operated Rolette Super Valu. In 1996, Jim and Rita retired and remained living in Rolette.
Jim was involved with many organizations including the Grand Forks Elks Lodge, Rolette Chamber of Commerce, Rolette Ambulance, the fire department, city council and Dollars for Scholars.
Jim and his family were past members of Zion United Methodist Church in Grand Forks and the Presbyterian Church in Rolette. Most recently, Jim attended Ebenezer Lutheran Church in Rolette.
Jim loved his family with all his heart. He loved family gatherings and enjoyed fishing, camping, golfing and playing cards. Jim touched the lives of so many people with his generosity and kindness. He was a devoted husband, caring and loving father and grandfather, special brother and a wonderful friend.
Jim is survived by: His sons, Mark (Jody) of Fisher, MN, and Jay (Corrine) of Enderlin, ND; daughters, Cherie (Cliff) Heilman of Mandan, ND, Lori (Kermit) Knudson of Rolette, ND, and Kelly (Brian) Jensen of Lake Metigoshe, ND; grandchildren, Tyler, Chase and Kelby Clauson, Nicole, Jacey, Ryan and Jessica Heilman, Jacob, Joshua and Jesse Clauson, Brady Knudson, Nathan, Melissa, Brianna, McKenzie and Ethan Jensen; great-grandson, Trey James Clauson; brother, Bill Clauson of Bellevue, NE; and sister, Linda Bonebrake of Minot, ND.
Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Rita (Knuth) Clauson and parents, Lynn and Dorothy Clauson.
Casket Bearers: Tyler and Chase Clauson, Ryan Heilman, Jacob Clauson and Jay and Jeff Bonebrake.
Honorary Bearers: Kelby Clauson, Nicole, Jacey and Jessica Heilman, Joshua and Jesse Clauson, Brady Knudson, Nathan, Melissa, Brianna, McKenzie and Ethan Jensen.
Special music: By Lorraine Martinson, Gail Tastad and McKenzie Jensen.
Visitation and prayer service: Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. today, July 2, 2008, in Ebenezer Lutheran Brethren Church, Rolette, ND, with a Prayer Service at 7 p.m.
Funeral service: Thursday, July 3, at 10 a.m. in the church with Pastor Joel Davis officiating.
Burial: Rolette City Cemetery, Rolette, ND.
Memorials: In lieu of flowers, Jim's family would appreciate memorials dedicated to the American Heart Association.
Arrangements with Elick Funeral Home, Rolla
