James was born on April 19, 1955 to George and Irene (Cote) Dessellier in Red Lake Falls, MN. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Oklee. Jim graduated from Oklee High School in 1974 and Graduated from Northwest Vocational Technical College in 1976. He worked at American Crystal Sugar in Crookston for 27 years, he also worked periodically at the Oklee Elevator and for the City of Oklee.

Jim enjoyed fishing, bowling, sports, playing and spending time with his nieces and nephews. He was very active in the Oklee Fire Department serving as chief, he also was on the Oklee Ambulance Service, the Red Lake County Fair Board and was District 3 State Representative for the fire department.

James is survived by his: Mother Irene Dessellier, Oklee, MN; Brothers and sisters: Mike (Grace) Dessellier, Oklee, Diane Dessellier, Thief River Falls, Doris Dessellier, Oklee, Dorene Dessellier, Oklee, Betty (David) Brinkman, Fosston, Shirley (Orville) Brinkman, Trail, Linda (Keven) Roisland, Oklee, Audrey (John) Schmit, Trail; seventeen nieces and nephews, Trisha (Michael) Lane of Thief River Falls, Joe Dessellier of St. Hilaire, Mandy Roisland of Oklee, Casey Roisland of Oklee, Jessi Dessellier of Oklee, Andy Dessellier of St. Hilaire, Kory Brinkman of St. Cloud, Brian Brinkman of Fosston, Michelle Brinkman of Fosston, Mike (Janelle) Schmidt of Fosston, Matt Schmidt of Trail, Nick Schmidt of Trail, Robert Schmidt of Trail, Jena Dessellier of Oklee, Katie Brinkman of Trail, Joe Brinkman of Trail and Jacob Brinkman of Trail. Great nieces and nephews Logan Lane, Bryar Lane, Noah Johnson and Ethan Johnson.

James was preceded in death by father George, infant sister Mary Dessellier, Grandparents Andrew and Alexina Dessellier and Aristad and Agnes Cote.