1916
James
2011
James Lies, Sr
September 18, 1916 — June 11, 2011
James L. Lies, Sr., 94, of Wahpeton, North Dakota passed away peacefully on June 11, 2011 at St. Catherine's Living Center in Wahpeton with his wife of 70 years, Ruth, at his side. James (Jim) was born September 18, 1916 to John and Anna (Hartl) Lies, rural Wells County, North Dakota. He graduated from New Rockford High School and attended St. Thomas College in St. Paul, Minnesota. He married Ruth Lura on January 27, 1941.
Jim entered into the U.S. Army in July of 1942, serving in the 42nd Rainbow Division through Europe. He separated from the service in 1946 and from the Army Reserve in 1953 with the rank of Major. Jim was a proud patriot and a recipient of the Bronze Star with two clusters.
Jim owned and operated the Jay Bee Company, an appliance and hardware store in New Rockford for 30 years, retiring in 1979. While in New Rockford, Jim was active in many civic and church organizations including: St. John's Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, American Legion, Kiwanis, Lions, Eagles, Elks, St. James School clubs and the Park Board.
Jim and Ruth moved to Wahpeton in 1992 where he became active in Golden K Kiwanis, Golden Club, Senior Citizens and St. John's Catholic Church.
Jim was an avid sportsman who followed baseball (Yankee fan for 80+ years), football and all sports, especially if his children or grandchildren were involved. Jim enjoyed duck hunting with his sons, playing bridge and pinochle, and dancing. His greatest joy was his wife Ruth, his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife Ruth, children James (Renee), Grand Forks, ND; Steven (Patricia), Wahpeton, ND; Lura Beth Kirby (Michael), Denver, CO; grandchildren: Brad Lies (Camie), Kristin King (Dan), Karrin Christians (Dan), Stephanie Zimmerli (Jacob), Jay Lies (Sarah), Michael Kirby (Amber) and James Kirby; 9 great grandchildren and many nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents, 3 sisters, 4 brothers and one great-granddaughter. Jim was beloved by his family and his many friends.
Jim entered into the U.S. Army in July of 1942, serving in the 42nd Rainbow Division through Europe. He separated from the service in 1946 and from the Army Reserve in 1953 with the rank of Major. Jim was a proud patriot and a recipient of the Bronze Star with two clusters.
Jim owned and operated the Jay Bee Company, an appliance and hardware store in New Rockford for 30 years, retiring in 1979. While in New Rockford, Jim was active in many civic and church organizations including: St. John's Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, American Legion, Kiwanis, Lions, Eagles, Elks, St. James School clubs and the Park Board.
Jim and Ruth moved to Wahpeton in 1992 where he became active in Golden K Kiwanis, Golden Club, Senior Citizens and St. John's Catholic Church.
Jim was an avid sportsman who followed baseball (Yankee fan for 80+ years), football and all sports, especially if his children or grandchildren were involved. Jim enjoyed duck hunting with his sons, playing bridge and pinochle, and dancing. His greatest joy was his wife Ruth, his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife Ruth, children James (Renee), Grand Forks, ND; Steven (Patricia), Wahpeton, ND; Lura Beth Kirby (Michael), Denver, CO; grandchildren: Brad Lies (Camie), Kristin King (Dan), Karrin Christians (Dan), Stephanie Zimmerli (Jacob), Jay Lies (Sarah), Michael Kirby (Amber) and James Kirby; 9 great grandchildren and many nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents, 3 sisters, 4 brothers and one great-granddaughter. Jim was beloved by his family and his many friends.
Visitation
Willow Creek Chapel920 3rd Ave North
Wahpeton, ND 58075
Sunday, June 26, 2011
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Service
St. John's Catholic Church115 2nd Street North
Wahpeton, ND 58075
Monday, June 27, 2011
11:00 AM
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James Lies, Sr, please visit our flower store.