James Deane Amundson

James Amundson, age 88 of East Grand Forks, MN, died on Sunday, June 15, 2025 in Grand Forks, ND.
James Deane Amundson was born to Harold & Olga "Ollie" (Morud) Amundson on February 17, 1937 in Grand Forks, ND. He attended rural grade school and graduated from the East Grand Forks High School in 1955. James competed in track and was the only member of his team to qualify for the state tournament. He also played coronet in band and sang in the chorus. James attended NDSU for 1 ½ years, then enlisted in the US Air Force stationed at San Antonio, TX, Amarillo, TX, and Luke Air Force Base in Arizona. He completed his service on January 16, 1961 with an Honorable Discharge and then returned to East Grand Forks to farm with his family. James married Darlene Gylfia Anderson, a high school teacher, on June 14, 1964 and they had two sons, Glenn and Mark.
James farmed in partnership with his brother and father in a seed potato business until 1983, when James and Gylfia purchased a farmstead and began raising wheat and potatoes with the help of their son, Glenn. James took pride in farming, spending many hours repairing and fabricating equipment including a snow pusher attachment and a custom potato loader/conveyor for potato planting.
James enjoyed music throughout his life, singing in the Our Savior's Lutheran Church Choir for over 50 years and also the local barbershop group "The Valley Chordsmen". He greatly enjoyed playing the electric keyboard organ that he built himself. And perhaps more than anything else, he loved to hear his wife Gylfia play the piano, always asking for one more tune!
James and Gylfia also enjoyed camping in Minnesota and traveling to Alaska, Medora, Branson, Arizona, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and many other destinations around the country, including memorable visits with their sons at college and afterwards at various locations around the U.S.
James is survived by his wife, Gylfia; sons, Glenn (LeahRae) Amundson of East Grand Forks, and Mark (Casundra) Amundson of Barrington, RI; grandchildren, Connor Amundson, Jonah Amundson and Nathan (Jenna) Wasvick; great-granddaughter Adalynn Wasvick; and one brother, Arnold (Teresa Wylie) Amundson of Lisbon, ND, along with many nieces, nephews and their families.
James was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Ollie; and one brother, Lester Amundson.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials for the Circle of Friends Animal Shelter, the Humane Society, or HIA Health-Hospice of the Red River Valley.
MEMORIAL SERVICE: Saturday, July 26th at 2 PM at Dahl Funeral Home.
VISITATION: One hour before the service at the funeral home.
INURNMENT: South Bethany Lutheran Church Cemetery, rural East Grand Forks, MN.
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