James Bleth, 83, of Thief River Falls, MN died peacefully on Tuesday, May 10, 2016 at Sanford Hospital in Thief River Falls, MN.

Memorial Mass will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, May 14, 2016 at St. Bernard's Catholic Church in Thief River Falls, MN with Father Rick Lambert presiding. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at Spruce Valley Cemetery near Middle River, MN.

James Edward Bleth was born on September 29, 1932 in Gladstone, ND, the son of John and Mary (Schaff) Bleth. He was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic faith. Jim attended school and graduated from Gladstone High School in the class of 1950. He attended college for a time and then in 1952 enlisted into service with the United States Air Force. Jim was stationed at Elmendorf AFB in Anchorage, AK and was Honorably Discharged in 1956.

On June 30, 1954 in Anchorage, AK, Jim was united in marriage to Zola Belle Holmes. They lived in Anchorage for the remainder of Jim's tour of duty. He then moved to New York City, NY to go to photography school and upon completion moved to Fosston, MN and opened Jim's Studio. In the summer

of 1961, they moved to Bemidji, MN. In 1965 he went to work for Pepsi Cola Bottling Company. Later, Jim went to work as a Dispatcher for Beltrami County Law Enforcement Center, and then at Nei Bottling Company until his retirement in 1983. In 1988, Jim & Zola moved to Walker, MN where Zola had an art studio and the couple attended art shows on weekends. In 2014 they moved to Thief River Falls, MN to be closer to family.

Jim enjoyed watching all sports, and in his younger years enjoyed playing basketball and baseball. He also enjoyed fishing, playing cards, dancing with Zola, had a great sense of humor and a great attitude about life. He always lived within his means, and he could fix anything, especially if it meant saving a buck! Saturday nights out were enjoyed with good friends and family, good music, a drink or two, and lots of dancing and laughter…then to church on Sunday morning. He was very proud of his children, grandchildren, son-in-law, and great-grandson.

Jim was a member of St. Bernard's Catholic Church in Thief River Falls; St. Agnes Catholic Church in Walker, MN; and St. Philip's Catholic Church in Bemidji, MN. He was also member of the Knights Of Columbus, American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Zola of Thief River Falls; daughters, Lesley Hunt of Sandusky, OH and Linda (Ernie) Johnson of Newfolden, MN; grandchildren Luke (Stephanie) Johnson and their son, Jett Evan and Cassandra (Joel Gohman) Johnson; siblings, Kathleen Yost, Bill (Gini) Bleth, Mary Ann Weaver; sister-in-law, Marian (Bob) Idovich; brother-in-law, Lyle Nelson; and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Johnny (Marion) Bleth, Edna Nelson, Richard Bleth and Marlene Bagwell; and brother-in-law, Ronald Yost.

Memorials are suggested to Thief River Care Center Garden Terrace Fund.