James Richard Bjorge

James Richard Bjorge, child of God, went home to be with his LORD and Savior, Jesus Christ, on September 29, 2025. He was 94.

James (Jim) Bjorge was born April 10, 1931 in Windom, Minnesota to Johs and Esther (Johnson) Bjorge, the second of three sons. He was raised in a loving Norwegian (with a touch of Swedish) home. Growing up in Windom was a special time of friendships for Jim. He experienced multi-denominational youth groups, boyish pranks, a respect for others, and most importantly the knowledge of Jesus' love for him.

After graduating from Windom High School, Jim attended St. Olaf College and graduated with honors. He went on to Luther Seminary and received his M.Div. Jim always credited his older brother 'Big John' for encouraging him to attend seminary. Although this was not Jim's original path choice, he received the calling from God and enrolled in seminary. Some years later he attended Westminster Theological Seminary in Escondido, California and earned his Doctor of Ministry degree.

Along with being an excellent scholar, Jim had a love for basketball, tennis, and high jumping. His 6'4" frame broke high jumping records in college and in varsity at seminary.

After seminary graduation in 1957, and before Jim began his first call to Belgrade, Minnesota, he met Frances Erickson, an Augustina graduate. After a few dates the courtship continued with many letters sent during Fran's first year of teaching in California. They were married the next summer. Five children were born to this union.

Jim, with Fran and family, served parishes in Belgrade, Litchfield, and Roseville, Minnesota, Viroqua, Wisconsin, Sioux City, Iowa, and lastly First Lutheran in Fargo, North Dakota. Jim retired from full-time parish ministry after serving 17 years at First Lutheran. He continued to share the Word by accepting an intern in Sioux Falls, North Dakota. After Fran's death in 2002, Jim continued with interim preaching at Wahpeton, Fargo, Portland, Grand Forks, Valley City, Horace, and Enderlin, all in North Dakota. In addition to serving his parishes, Jim authored 15 books, which include sermon series, lessons from nature and 2 books on nature.

In 2010 during a short interim at Faith Lutheran in Valley City, Jim met Carol Winter, also widowed, with a heart for music ministry through her singing. The LORD had a plan for Jim and Carol. After a brief courtship, they were married in the Chapel at Mount Carmel Family Bible Camp near Alexandria, Minnesota. Jim had attended Mount Carmel since its beginning in 1938, first as a young boy with his parents, then as a young handsome lifeguard during college summer breaks. He was later a guest preacher for many years at summer adult camp sessions. He continued to speak God's Word with joy until health issues halted him at age 88. The desire to continue sharing the Gospel never left him, even from his bed at Sanford Hospice House.

Jim served on many boards in all of these parish communities. He especially enjoyed being chairman of the Red River Valley Billy Graham Crusade in 1987, and being a member of the Lutheran Health and Banner Health Systems boards from 1990 - 2005. Being on these boards sparked his love of travel, taking trips to the British Isles, Scandinavia, Europe, the Middle East, and Australia. He led many bus tours throughout the U.S. and tour groups 19 times to Israel, Jordan, and Egypt. Two trips to the Passion Play Performance in Germany were tucked into his travels also.

A noted and gifted motivational speaker, Jim spoke to several varied groups locally and around the country including the fellowship of Christian Athletes national gathering. As Joe Dill, a former Fargo Forum editor, stated, "Jim Bjorge is among the best speakers I have heard - stands in front of a group with no cards, and it just rolls out"!

Throughout his life, Jim was a sports enthusiast and a lover of the outdoors and creation. He was an avid hunter of deer and pheasant. Antelope, other game birds, various animal pelts, and fish also adorned his man cave walls. He ruled the remote when his favorite basketball, baseball, and football games were on TV. Another pastime he enjoyed was lobby ranching and always had horses.

Jim is survived by his wife, Carol; children, Barak (Katie), Debbie, Nate (Kate), Tim (Amy), Ben (Renata) Bjorge; Carol's two children, Dawn and Brian Winter; sixteen grandchildren; fifteen great grandchildren; and a number of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Johs and Esther; brothers, John and Mark; grandson, Willie Bjorge; and his first wife, Fran.

A visitation will be held at 4:00 - 6:00 PM on Thursday, October 9, 2025 in the chapel at First Lutheran Church. A Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, October 10 with a visitation one hour prior, all at First Lutheran Church, Fargo. Lunch will be served in the dining hall following the service. Burial will be at Ellsborough Lutheran Church Cemetery near Lake Wilson, Minnesota.