James "Jim" Jameson

James “Jim” Edward Jameson, 90, of Moorhead, MN, passed away Monday, May 6, 2024, at River Pointe Assisted Living in Moorhead.

Jim was born December 14, 1933, in Grand Rapids, MN, to James “Jim” L. Jameson and Margaret “Marge” Olin Jameson.  He attended Greenway Public School in Coleraine, MN and enlisted in the Air Force in December 1951.  He completed basic training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, TX and then tech training at Scott Air Force Base, Bellville, IL.  Jim was stationed in Europe with the 5th Radio Relay Squad and 141st Spactron in Fontainebleau, France.  His unit was cited in 1954 by Netherland’s government for assistance during a disastrous flood.  Jim was honorably discharged in November 1955.

Jim was employed briefly by UNIVAC in St. Paul, worked in general construction and cabinet building in Coleraine, and worked with his dad at Lakeview cemetery.

In early 1959 Jim was called to parish ministry and appointed to Cromwell Methodist Church.  He began college studies at Itasca Junior College and graduated with an AA degree.  In the spring of 1962 he moved to Hawley, MN as a student pastor, completing his college work at Moorhead State in 1965.  

In the fall of 1962, the “confirmed bachelor” met Barb VanTassel, the “farmer’s daughter.”  On August 31, 1963, they became husband and wife.  That union lasted a few months short of 50 years, with Barb’s death in February 2013. Four children were born to that union: Kathy, Mary, Dan, and Corey.

Jim retired in 1997 after serving 38 ½ years in the ministry of the United Methodist Church.  Jim and Barb made their home in Felton, MN.  Jim spent 10 years remodeling and updating their home. Barb was the gardener, raising 2 large gardens, canning, and keeping the yard beautiful.  They moved to Crossings at Water’s Edge in Moorhead in 2008 when Barb’s health required three trips weekly into the clinic and hospital.  

Jim is survived by his daughter, Mary Jameson; and sons, Dan (DeAnn) Jameson and Corey (Michelle) Jameson, and son-in-law, William O’Brien. He is also survived by granddaughter, Amy Jo, grandsons, Adam, Alex and Shawn, great granddaughter, Ava Mae and 2 more great-grandchildren coming in the fall.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Barbara and his daughter, Kathryn O’Brien.  

The funeral service will be Friday, May 10, 2024, at 2:00 P.M., with visitation for one hour before the service, at Hawley United Methodist Church, Hawley, MN.  Burial will be at McCaulleyville Cemetery, Kent, MN, at a later date.