James (Jimmy) Bruce Duckstad, age 77, of Fertile, MN, passed away on Monday, December 1, 2025, at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND, surrounded by his loving family. James was born on January 12, 1948, in St. Vincent, MN, to Clifford and Agnes (Geddes) Duckstad. As a young child, he moved with his family to Fertile, where he was baptized and confirmed at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and attended Fertile High School.
Beginning at age 16, James held a variety of jobs, starting with work on several local farms in the Fertile area. He later was employed at the Hopkins Powell Candy Factory in Hopkins, MN, and in Crookston, MN, where he worked for American Crystal Sugar Company, Peterson Biddick, and the Crookston Cattle Company from 1970 to 1977. On June 26, 1970, James married Roberta (Crane) Duckstad at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Fertile. They made their home in Crookston from 1970 to 1977, where they welcomed two children, Teresa and Jared.
In 1977, the family moved to Lockhart, MN. James worked at Hendrum Manufacturing until 1980, when complications from diabetes led to disability. In 1982, he and his family returned to Fertile, where he remained for the rest of his life.
James and Roberta dedicated much of their lives to caring for children. From 1970 to 1994, they served as foster parents and daycare providers, opening their home to more than 150 children. In 1994, they adopted five children: Derrick, Robert, Amanda, Brittany, and Tyler.
James loved hunting, fishing, spending time outdoors, and tinkering in his garage whenever his health allowed. Later in life, he enjoyed sitting in his favorite chair with his dog, Chili, while watching TV westerns. He cherished time with his family and friends and was known for his warm personality and sense of humor.
James is survived by his wife of 55 years, Roberta; his children, Teresa Duckstad of Warroad, MN, Jared (Lea) Duckstad of Thompson, ND, Robert Duckstad, Amanda Duckstad of Fertile, MN, Brittany Lewis-Ash of Fertile, MN, and Tyler Duckstad of Fertile, MN; his grandchildren Jessi (Casey) Sortland of Warroad, MN, Jagger (Jasmine) Johnson of Warroad, MN, Cassi (Dustin) Vincent of Warren, MN, Nathanial Duckstad of Mandan, ND, Joella Duckstad of Thompson, ND, Skye, Rebekah, Jerrod (JJ) Lewis-
Ash, and Cynthia Bohn; and his great-grandchildren, Kaia Boppre, Bennett and Tate Duckstad, Tayla and Tovie Sortland. He is also survived by his brother Lars (Mary) Duckstad of Mentor, MN, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Clifford and Agnes (Geddes) Duckstad; his brother, Donald Duckstad; his grandparents, Lars and Emma (Knutson) Duckstad and Alfred and Mary (Buie) Geddes; several aunts, uncles, and cousins; and his son, Derrick (Ducky) Duckstad.
James’s family will be holding a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Fertile, MN (10480 438th St SW). Visitation will take place prior to the service from 9:30-10:30 a.m., with interment to follow at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in Fertile.
Please view our guestbook and share condolences online at www.eriksonvikfh.com
Arrangements with Erikson-Vik-Ganje Funeral Home of Fertile, Minnesota
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