James (Jim) Jerde, 80, of Crookston, MN passed away on December 16, 2025 at Riverview Hospital with his family at his side.
Jim was born on January 11, 1945 in Crookston to Albert and Orpha Berhow Jerde. He was baptized and confirmed at Varnes Lutheran Church rural Fertile Mn. Grew up on a farm near Fertile, MN and graduated from Fertile High School with the Class of 1963. He lived in Fertile until 1964 before moving to Crookston, where he got a job with FSA. He met Dar through a friend and on January 16, 1965 he married Darlene (Dar) Gulsvig at Fisher Lutheran Church and from their union, they would raise two children, Brenda and Justin.
James continued his passion for farming spend as much time as possible at the farm. With Bison at the farm, he was busy in the fall cutting hay, baling and hauling. In the summer the farmyard always needed to be mowed, garden needed planting and weeding. He was a charter member of Minnesota Bison Association. His lifelong love of farming kept him active with farming and the outdoors his entire life. He loved hunting with his friends and with his son Justin and grandson, Josh.
Jim was an active member of the Crookston community. He dedicated his life to his family, friends, and the many organizations that enriched the lives of those around him. An active participant in local affairs, Jim was a proud member of the Crookston Gun Club. Trap shooting with Justin most weekends in the summer in MN & ND with one trip to Seattle.
For more than 50 years, he worked with Farm Bureau Insurance through the years wining many awards, including trips to Switzerland, Mexico, Italy, Spain and 2 trips to Hawaii. Served for over 30 years with the Kiwanis, where he advocated for youth and community development. His faith was integral to his life as well, exemplified by his membership at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church.
Jim’s dedication to service extended beyond his family and social circles; he held positions of leadership as the Secretary and Treasurer for Oakdale Cemetery and served as a past Worshipful Master of the Crookston Masonic Lodge. His involvement with the Crookston Shriner’s Temple and the Eastern Star further illustrated his commitment to his community and the values he held dear.
Jim is survived by his loving wife, Dar of 60 years; daughter, Brenda Boman of Eden Prairie; son, Justin Jerde of Crookston; grandchildren, Josh (Erin), Jace, Jenna (Jake), Jessica (Jeffrey), Noora, William; 7 great-grandchildren, Raelyn, Quinton, Laina, Adella, Everhett, Emmylou, Emberlyn
Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Orpha Jerde; brother, Lorrie Jerde; sister-in-law, Carol Jerde; brother-in-law, Mike Skiple; sister-in-law, Lori Gulsvig.
James always kept a positive attitude no matter what happened. Jim suffered multiple adversities in his life, to which he never asked “why me” but rather “why not me?” James’ life and positivity is definitely worth celebrating.
A funeral service to celebrate James’ life will be held on Monday January 19, 2026 at 2:00 pm from the chapel at Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home. Visitation will begin at 12:00 pm.
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