James Burkholder, 69, died Wednesday, January 4, 2012 at Sanford Hospital in Thief River Falls, MN. Funeral service will be 2 PM, Tuesday, January 10, 2012 at Little Norway Church, Fertile, MN with Reverend Dan Watland officiating. Burial will be at Little Norway Cemetery, Fertile. Visitation will be 5 - 8 PM, Monday, January 9, 2012 at Johnson Funeral Service, Thief River Falls, MN with a 7 PM prayer service and for one hour prior to the service at the church, Tuesday. James Paul Burkholder Jr, was born August 15, 1942, the son of James and Ruby (Holms) Burkholder. Was born in Fargo, ND, moved to Arthur, ND and then to Gary, MN. Jim was baptized in the Lutheran Faith and confirmed at Sundal Lutheran Church at Fertile, MN. Jim graduated in 1960 from Gary High School. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1960 and was stationed in Nulligan, Germany, for 31 months with the 93rd float bridge company. After Jim got out of the service, he worked at Spring Gravel, Gary, MN and he became very close to Kenny Chapman and his whole family. The friendship continues. James married Sharon Diane Bennes on October 30, 1971 at Little Norway Church, Fertile. Following their marriage, they moved to Thief River Falls, MN. Jim worked at Arctic Enterprises and fell in love with snowmobiling. He would say "that was my best job." When Arctic closed its doors, he went to work for Furuseth Nelson and there he formed a close relationship with his boss, Leo Nelson and his family. He also worked at Viking Snowmobile, R and D Department, Hartz Wholesale, Falls Diesel, Thief River Livestock Auction, Frank Donarski and he enjoyed working every day at Anderson Power and Equipment/Titan Machinery, where he was currently employed. Jim along with his wife, Sharon had a passion in helping others, they enjoyed doing things together. They enjoyed following many of their friends children throughout their school life, including sporting activities, graduation, wedding and starting families of their own. Jim and Sharon cherished the closeness they had with the Dean Wolff family and Sharon's cousin, Allan and Ardis Johnson. Jim also had a special bond with uncle John Burkholder, with whom he shared many special times. Jim and his close friend, Sami Haj became very involved in a city project and they put a lot of time and effort into it. Survivors include wife, Sharon, Thief River Falls, MN; Godson: Rodd Gamme, Minneapolis, MN; sisters, Sharon Dahle, Kay (John) Cory, Woodstock, GA, Midge (Harold) Green, Thief River Falls, MN and JoDee (Rick) Loll, Campbell, MN and sister-in-law, Kathy Burkholder. Preceded in death by parents, James and Ruby Burkholder, brothers, Dennis and Rex, brother in law Quentin Dahle. He has left us to be with his heavenly Father and will be deeply missed. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to charity of choice. ORGANIST: Lucille Fuglseth SOLOIST: Elaine Erdahl SELECTIONS: In The Garden, Amazing Grace, The Lord's Prayer CONGREGATIONAL HYMNS: Day By Day, Nearer My God To Thee CASKETBEARERS: Jared Nelson, Jon Burkholder, Joseph Haj, James Nelson, George Haj, Lucas Wolff, Kenny Chapman, Jon Fosholm, Dacian Wolff, Duane Wolff HONORARY CASKETBEARERS: Titan and Hardware Hank Employees, Roger Skime