A livestream of the service can be viewed by accessing https://www.facebook.com/breadoflifeminot/live/
A recording of the service will also be available on Monday (11/16) and can be accessed at https://www.mtmsales.net/thomas

James Theodore "Jim" Bakken , 81, Minot, ND longtime educator and administrator passed away on Friday, October 23, 2020 in a Minot hospital.

Jim was born November 28, 1938 in Minot to Theodore and Nora (Larson) Bakken.  He was raised in Berthold, graduating from Berthold High School, Minot State College and NDSU with a Master's Degree in Education.

Jim was united in marriage to Marvel Jacobson on April 27, 1963 at Zion Lutheran Church in Minot.  They were blessed with two children, Danae and Jason.

They made their home throughout many cities in ND as well as Laramie, WY.  He grew roots in each of these communities developing many lifelong friendships.  Jim was a very generous man who shared the gift of his time with many students, educators, and most importantly his family.  Serving as a teacher and an administrator during his tenure he saw many changes in education including the Co-Op of Makoti and Ryder school systems.  Once Danae and Jason entered grade school Jim took a break from education to manage the Cenex stations in Ryder and Hettinger.  After Danae and Jason graduated High School, Jim returned to Education, finishing his career as Assistant Principal in Belcourt.

Jim enjoyed working on numerous woodworking projects with Marvel.  He enjoyed company stopping in for coffee, Marvel's sweets and a visit. He also enjoyed fishing, camping, playing pinochle, and a good meal of Lutefisk!  It was often remarked that nobody could make a meal look more enjoyable than Jim!!!

Upon retirement, Jim and Marvel made their home in Minot where Jim put his woodworking talents to a "test" remodeling their home.  He was able to make Marvel the kitchen of her dreams.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Marvel, Minot; children Danae (David) Anderson, Minot; Jason (Lori Sacchetti) Bakken, Hastings, MN; sisters LuVerne Tufto, Plymouth, MN and Ethel Vangsness, Minot; sister-in-law Audrey Jacobson, Minot; brothers-in-law Roger (Karen) Jacobson, Stanton; and David (Linda) Jacobson, Minot; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents Theodore and Nora Bakken, brother Robert Bakken and niece Sharon, brothers-in-law Odeen Tufto, Arthur Vangsness, Lane Jacobson, sister-in-law Mary (Roy) Abrahamson.

Service to Honor James T. Bakken :  11:00 a.m. Friday, November 13, 2020 at Bread of Life Lutheran Church, Minot. Please follow social distancing guidelines and face coverings are required to attend.
A livestream of the service can be viewed by accessing https://www.facebook.com/breadoflifeminot/live/
A recording of the service will also be available on Monday (11/16) and can be accessed at https://www.mtmsales.net/thomas
Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens, Minot.
Visitation: Thursday, November 12, 2020 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot. Please follow social distancing guidelines and face coverings are required to attend.
Memorials are preferred to organizations dedicated to the treatment of Parkinson's Disease.