James "Jim" Fred, 80, Minot, went home to be with his Lord on Sunday, July 10, 2011, in a Fergus Falls, MN hospital, surrounded by his loving family.

Jim was born February 16, 1931, in Rugby, ND to Bert and Amanda (Stromme) Fred. He was raised and educated in Willow City, graduating with the class of 1951.

On November 7, 1954, Jim was united in marriage to Darlene Brandt at the Church of God in Lynnville, IA. They made their home in Minot, ND where Jim worked as a skilled painter. He was employed by Emil Decoration for 7 years; Hildahl Painting for 8 years; and finished his painting career working for the Minot Public Schools from 1968 to 1993 when he retired. Throughout those years he remained active in the community working on a part-time basis at various side jobs.

Jim loved life and he loved the Lord. He was an active member of the West Minot Church of God, volunteering and serving on the church board and youth group program over the years. He was passionate about anything he did which included being a member of the Christian Motorcycle Association and the Northern Lights RV Group. Jim found enjoyment in traveling, hunting, fishing, motorcycling, and woodworking. But his greatest enjoyment was the time he spent with those he loved. The sparkle in his eye and the quick bounce in his step will be deeply missed.

Waiting to be reunited with him again in heaven is his loving wife of 56 years, Darlene of Minot; son, Kevin (Lisa) Fred, Fergus Falls, MN; grandchildren, Ben Schultz, Dalton, MN; Jenna (Matt) Pence, Olathe, KS; Jared Schultz, Fergus Falls, MN; sister, Carol (Deryle) Odell, Ft. Collins, CO; brothers, Clarence (Delores) Fred, Dale (Marlene) Fred, both of Minot, ND; and Darvin (Janet) Fred, Calera, AL; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Greeting him in heaven were his parents, son, Mark Fred and brother, Donald, Fred.

Funeral Service: 1:00 p.m. Friday, July 15, 2011, at the West Minot Church of God.

Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot, ND.

Visitation: Thursday, July 14, 2011 from 2:00 7:00 p.m. in the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.

Memorials: The family wishes to use undesignated memorial gifts to help the victims of the 2011 Minot Flood.