James Schlosser

James Douglas Schlosser

1937- 2025

James D. Schlosser (Jim) was born to Reynold and Marie Schlosser in Jamestown. ND on August 13, 1937. He attended St John's Academy in Jamestown and graduated in 1955. He was elected Boy's State Governor in 1954 and served as President of the ND Catholic Youth Organization the same year. In Highschool he participated in HS football, basketball and track. In 1954, he played first-base on the State Legions championship team and, he was selected to the All-American HS football team in 1955. As a senior, Jim also placed 3rd in a National Speech Contest in Washington, DC, sponsored by the CYO

Jim graduated from St. John's University in Collegeville, MN in 1959 with a degree in Political Science/History. He participated in drama, varsity football, basketball, bowling and served as chair of the Young Republicans. He received a Juris Doctor degree from the UND Law School in 1962 and was elected King of the Law School in his senior year. He served as the first president of the College Young Republicans and held a number of state and regional offices while attending UND.



Jim married Sharon (Shari) Martin in Crookston, MN January 27, 1962. He practiced law in Jamestown, ND for 1 year and was then named Executive Director of the ND Republican Party in 1963 where he served for two years. He practiced law in Bismarck, ND from 1965 until he sold his practice in 1990. During this time, he served on the Board of the State Bar Association and was chairman of the Real Property, Probate and Trust section. His many activities included organizing the "Friendly Town" program which brought black children from Chicago to Bismarck in the summer. He was chairman of the Bismarck Elks Youth Committee for many years and organized the first father/son banquet.

He was active and held many offices in the State Young Republicans and was as campaign manager for Congressman Tom Kleppe. He served on many national committees and was state campaign chairman 1988 for President George HW Bush. He was a delegate to the National Republican Convention in 1988 and served as ND Inaugural chairman in 1989.



In 1969, Jim was selected by the Jaycees as the Outstanding Man of the Year in Bismarck and then was subsequently named the Outstanding Man of the Year for North Dakota. He served as president of the Missouri Valley YMCA, chairman of the March of Dimes, two terms as President of the Cathedral Parish Board, chairman of St Mary's carnival and was a member of the University of Mary Board of Trustees.



In 1990, Jim accepted a position as Executive VP of the ND Bankers Association and served in that capacity until his retirement in 2005, and he and Shari moved to Scottsdale, AZ. Jim served as chairman of the 18 state Central States Bankers Association 2003-04. He was a lobbyist representing various groups and organizations in Washington DC and at the ND State Legislature for over 40 years.



In 1996 he was recognized by the Small Business Administration as the Minority Advocate in a six-state region for organizing a Native American/ banker committee. He was an avid sports fan and attended several Twins and Vikings games. He participated in amateur baseball and basketball, fast pitch and slow pitch softball.

Jim was a member of Cathedral of the Holy Spirit in Bismarck and then joined St. Bernards of Clairvaux after moving to Scottsdale. He was very involved with Christ Renews His Parish and was a member of the Bismarck Elks and the Knights of Columbus. In 2006 Jim became a licensed real estate agent and had an office in Fountain Hills for 10 years. He was a volunteer at the Andre House soup kitchen in downtown Phoenix.

In his later years, he was diagnosed with Dementia but always remained kind, loving and thankful. Jim was so accepting of everything that came his way. He had a deep faith and trust in God and his faith was very important to him and he lived to the best of his ability all his life. He died a peacefully at home surrounded by family April 26, 2025, at the age of 87.

Jim is survived by his wife Shari of 63 years, three daughters, Leslie Miller- Fountain Hills, AZ, Lynne Schlosser- St Louis, MO, Laurie Schlosser- Minneapolis, MN, son Mark and Carrie - Los Angeles, CA, granddaughter Nicole Prince and Andrew Isidro, and 2 great grandchildren Zayvian and Ayla. Jim is also survived by his only sister, Sister Patricia Schlosser of Rochester MN. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorial Donations may be made to:

God's Child, PO Box 1843 Bismarck, 58501

The Grotto at the University of Mary, 7500 University Dr., Bismarck, ND 58504

St Bernard of Clairvaux, 10755 N 124th, Scottsdale AZ 85259

Celebration of Life

June 5,2025 11am

St Bernard of Clairvaux

10755 N 124th St

Scottsdale, AZ 85259

The family kindly requests that guests refrain from wearing black, as the occasion is a celebration of Jim's life.

Reception following at the Church