James Thomas "Jim" West, 75, Minot left the bonds of earth on Tuesday, January 13, 2015 in a Minot hospital after a short battle with lung cancer.

James was born on March 9, 1939 in Whitesburg, Georgia to Paul Sr. and Mary (Lane) West. He was reared in Newnan and Atlanta and attended school in Atlanta. As a teenager he was employed on area farms.

James enlisted in the United States Air Force on September 25, 1956 and served as an air policeman at various air force bases including Lackland AFB in Texas, Schilling AFB in Salina KS and Ramey AFB in Puerto Rico prior to his honorable discharge from the 862nd Combat Defense Squadron for the Strategic Air Command on July 30, 1962 at Minot Air Force Base.

James married Karen Peterson on August 11, 1962 and made their home together until her death on April 18, 1995. Following his discharge from the air force, he was employed by the Burlington Northern Railway and Community Action Opportunities and was co-owner, with his daughter Torrie West Sturm, of Pioneer Trophy and Engraving.

James married Gloria Miller Taylor on April 13, 1996 in Minot. They made their home in Minot. Gloria died on April 28, 2014.

James was a member of the Optimist Club and acting President from 1982-1983, he especially enjoyed bowling, yardwork and woodworking and loved animals.

James is survived by his brothers: Joseph (Joanne) West of Lithia Springs, GA and Daniel West of Oxford, GA; sister-in-law: Irene West of Canton GA; stepchildren: Ronda (Ronald) Speed of Waxahachie, TX, Jeffrey (Judy) Taylor of Farmers Branch, TX, and Bradley (Barbara) Taylor of Franklin, TN; eight grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

James was preceded in death by his parents, wives: Karen and Gloria, daughter: Torrie West Sturm, brothers: Paul Jr., Billy, and John David and sisters: Frances, Lois and Ann.

Celebration of the Life of James West: Wednesday, January 21, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home - Minot.
Interment will be in Rosehill Memorial Park - Minot.
Visitation: Tuesday from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home - Minot.
Memorials are preferred to the Souris Valley Animal Shelter or the donor's choice.