James Simonson, 72, Minot, died Tuesday, August 5, 2008, in a Rochester, MN hospital.

James was born on September 29, 1935 in rural Fillmore, ND to Arthur and Mina (Hanson) Simonson. He was raised on the family farm and attended school in Fillmore and Hillcrest Academy in Fergus Falls, MN. James married Joan Solberg on May 29, 1954, in Fillmore. They made their home in Minot and Minneapolis before returning to Minot in 1959. James had a long career in vehicle sales at Nielson and Stewart GMC from 1965 until his retirement in 2003.

James was a member of Our Redeemer's Lutheran Brethren Church, Golden K Kiwanis, and the NRA. He was active in his church as a Trustee Board Member and Usher. He enjoyed walleye fishing at Van Hook Arm on Lake Sakakawea, and pheasant and deer hunting with family and friends.

His loving family includes: his wife of 54 years, Joan; children: Bruce (Nina) Simonson, Carriere, MS, Lori (John) Wagar, Bemidji, MN, Reed (Tracy) Simonson, Belgrade, MT, and Julie (Hal) Quammen, Minot; grandchildren: Kishori Simonson, Miriam and Joshua Wagar, Marcedes Locken, Levi and Luke Simonson, Brent Fettig (fiancée, Cheree Schneider) and Haley Quammen; siblings: Derold (Iris) Simonson, Fillmore, Lois Porter, Lynchburg, VA, Richard (Carole) Simonson, Rugby, Audrey (Byron) Lundeen, Aitkin, MN and Glen (Irene) Simonson, Hugo, MN; sisters-in-law: Betty Simonson, Fargo and Elaine Simonson, Osseo, MN; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

James was preceded in death by his parents, brothers: Fritz, David, and Paul, brother-in-law: William Porter.

Funeral service: Saturday, August 9, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. in First Presbyterian Church, Minot;
Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens, Minot;
Visitation: Friday from 2:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. in the Thomas Family Funeral Home
Memorials are preferred to Our Redeemer's Lutheran Brethren Church Building Fund, Minot.