James Leland Jacobson

A livestream video of James' memorial service may be viewed here: https://vimeo.com/event/2683024

The tribute video may be viewed here: https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/FRKNMCWLFDK3RJ85

James Leland Jacobson, 81, died peacefully with his wife by his side on December 1, 2022, at Essentia Oak Crossing Nursing Home in Detroit Lakes, MN.

Jim was born in Fertile, MN on April 23, 1941, to parents Emil and Agnes Jacobson of Shelly, MN. He grew up on the family farm near Shelly with his four brothers and one sister. He was the youngest of five siblings.

He graduated from Halstad (Minnesota) High School in 1959, and enrolled at North Dakota State University, in Fargo. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture and Applied Science. After graduation, he was an FHA Loan Officer in Bagley, MN, and was with the Soil Conservation Service in Roseau, MN and Moorhead, MN. He owned and operated Jacobson Oil in Shelly, MN, for two years. He also worked at the University of Minnesota in Crookston, MN, as a Research Farm Manager.

In 1970, he married DonnaRae Bryan. Two sons were born to this marriage, Bryan James Jacobson in 1973, and a premature son who died at birth in 1974. When the family resided in Clearbrook, MN, Jim was active with the Clearbrook Fire Department, the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, and was on the school board. Because he loved to work, he went part-time with the guard and became manager of the Clearwater Wild Rice Farm for 11 years.

In 1987, he relocated to Fargo, and joined the Air National Guard full-time. He was a parachute rigger and did parachute safety training for the “Happy Hooligans” who all knew him as Jake.

On January 3, 1998, Jim married Beverly “Beth” (Carlson) Bomstad at Hope Lutheran Church - South, Fargo, where they were active members. He attended Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) for several years in Fargo and in Arizona. Jim and Bev would have celebrated their 25th Wedding Anniversary on January 3, 2023.

Jim loved sports, especially the North Dakota Bison and Minnesota Vikings. An avid outdoorsman, he was in partnership owning a condo at Copper Mountain, CO, where he spent time skiing. He also loved snowmobiling, hunting, and spending time fishing and swimming, all with his son and families. He was very mechanical and would buy cars and anything on wheels to fix and resell. His family was very important which resulted in many get-togethers for special occasions, always ending with playing cards.

The last 15 winters were spent at their home in Marana, AZ. He loved hiking in the Tucson Mountains and playing pool with his buddies. He also enjoyed trips with his wife to Hawaii, Curacao, the Netherlands, where he was deployed. Jim retired as Senior Master Sergeant in 2001, with 37 years of service.

James is survived by his wife, Beverly; grandson, Matthew James Jacobson; daughter-in-law and mother of Matthew, Vicki Schneider; stepsons, Jeff and Joel Bomstad; stepdaughter, Jana McLean; step-grandchildren, Tanner, Cole, Drew and Mackenzie Kirkpatrick, Cody McLean, Cassie (Logan) Suter, Robby Bernard, and Jacob and Josh Bomstad; great-grandchildren, Kaige and Kayson McLean, and Layla and Stella Suter; brothers, Malvern (Joan), Dilworth, MN, Ordean (Maureen), Fargo, ND, and Luther (Ileen) Shelly, MN; sister, Elaine (Orley) Gunderson, Bloomington, MN; sister-in-law, Josephine Jacobson, Yakima, WA; brother-in-law, James (Connie) Carlson; sister-in-law, Ginger (Tom) Achter and all of his special nieces, nephews, cousins, and all who called him friend.

He was preceded in death by his parents; mother-in-law, Gladys Carlson, Breckenridge, MN; brother, Curtis Jacobson, Yakima, WA; nephews, Ricky Jacobson and Chad Gunderson; son, Bryan Jacobson, Fargo, ND, who passed away on July 26, 2022.

James will be remembered for his smile, kindness, devotion to God and his family, and willingness to help anyone in need. His determination with the struggles he endured with his diagnosis of Vascular Dementia was beyond belief.

A special thank you to Mayo Clinic, his doctors, nurses, caregivers, the Veteran’s Primary Care Team, hospice, and family and friends for all their wonderful support. God bless you all!

James Jacobson, you will be missed by all who loved you and look forward to being united again when we meet with our Heavenly Father.

Memorials may be sent to Hospice of the Red River Valley in Fargo, ND.