James Strand

James A. Strand, 69, resident of Fargo, ND, died Thursday, April 7th at Bethany. James was born on June 17th, 1941 to William O. and Esther Strand. James grew up in both Minnesota and North Dakota, later graduating from Frazee High School, where he was a prolific athlete in both basketball and baseball. James followed high school with a career in sales including insurance and school fund raising. James shared his life in marriage with Donna (Wothe) until her passing in 2007 after a short battle with cancer. The next four years were spent in close proximity with family spending considerable time with his youngest grandsons, cherishing time he had watching them grow. James was outgoing, curious and friendly. James would find a way to know about your life’s story, and thoughtfully consider where your life’s path may have crossed his. A frequent first question from James would be “So where are you from?” We remember as children, being perplexed by this ability to seemingly talk to complete strangers with ease, and now, as we grow older we see the poetic nature of this ability to thoughtfully consider and engage in conversation with those that pass through our lives. James will be remembered and missed by his son Michael J. Strand, daughters Shelly (Lell) and Shauna (Sowga), five grandchildren; Tyler, Brady, Shay, Malcolm and Ian. James is preceded in death by his parents and wife, Donna Strand. A celebration of life will be held this Friday, April 15th, 2011 at 2:00pm – Waterford Assisted Living Chapel. In lieu of flowers, and/or if there is a desire to send a gift in memory of James, funds will be directed towards the FM-YMCA Donna Strand Memorial Play Scape fund.