James Edward Mathson

James Edward Mathson, 95, Fargo, ND, formerly of Edgeley, ND, passed away Wednesday, October 10, 2018, in Sanford Medical Center.

James was born March 7, 1923 in Edgeley, ND. Son of James and Sarah (Sadie Vernon) Mathson. He graduated from Edgeley High School in 1941, then attended NDSSS for two years in the aviation program. Before being inducted in to the US Navy in 1944, he worked at the Jamestown Flying Service as an aircraft mechanic in the War Training Program. In the Navy, he served at the Alameda Naval Air Station in California. In 1945, he served on the battleship USS Pennsylvania (BB38) in the South Pacific with the Aviation “V” Division.

After discharge, he returned to ND, working again at the Jamestown Airport and before attending classes at NDSSS for plumbing and heating. He returned to Edgeley and worked for Kruger Excavation. Later he purchased the excavation business and went into partnership with Bill Zottnick doing plumbing, heating and excavating, known as Edgeley Plumbing and Heating.
In 1948, he married Doris Dee Mickelson, in Jamestown, ND. They made their home in Edgeley and raised four sons. Doris passed away in 1983. He later married Evelyn Bjornstad Werre and made their home in Fargo after retiring in 1986.

James was a member of the American Legion Post 146 since 1956, the Edgeley VFW Post 7656 since 1950, the Masonic Lodge, The USS Pennsylvania BB38 Reunion Association, the American Battleship Association, Our Redeemers Lutheran Church in Edgeley, ND, First Lutheran Church, Fargo, ND, and past member of the Edgeley Lions Club. James served as LaMoure County Veterans Service Officer for many years.

He is survived by his wife Evelyn; four sons, Wayne (Janet), Jamestown, ND, Jerry (DeAnn), West Bend WI, Jeffrey (Jayne), Harwood, ND, and David (Lori), Kalispell, MT; two step sons, Robert (Jan) Werre, Minneapolis, MN, and James (Susan) Werre, Minneapolis, MN; eleven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Doris Dee, and brother, Robert Mathson.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the charity of your choice.