James Veitch

James R. Veitch, 98, Grand Forks, died Wednesday, June 7, 2017 in 4000 Valley Square Woodside Village. James Russell Veitch, the son of Stanley and Pearl (Brandt) Veitch, was born February 25, 1919 on the Fadden Farm in the Emerado-Arvilla area. He attended elementary and high school at Ermerado.  He worked the farm.  Jim was a self-taught artist at oil painting.  James married Lillian Johnson on February 21, 1942 at Fisher, Minnesota.  James served in the US Army during World War II in the Pacific, from Nov 1942 to Dec 1945. He was part of the invasion force Leyte Gulf, Philippine Islands, October 20, 1944 then Okinawa, April 1, 1945. After his discharge from military service he returned to farm in the local area, After WWII they lived first in Emerado, then purchased a farm north west of Emerado.  After the Government bought him out he then purchased a farm south of Emerado and farmed there until he retired from farming. He  worked at  United Hospital then Pillsbury Company until he completely retired.  Jim and Lilian were snowbirds, wintering in Arizona until her death in 1999.  James is survived by a son, James S. Veitch, (Brenda), Slidell, LA; a daughter, Susan Cassanelli, Lake Panasoffkee, FL; grandchildren, Amanda Martinez, (Rene), James L. Veitch, Sherti Ayotte (Kevin), and Michael Cassanelli (Melissa); great grandchildren, Brandi Lebouf (Cameron), Daniel Martinez, Ashley Ayotte, Zachary Ayotte, and Andrew Cassanelli; great-great grandchildren, Madison Lebouf and Cason Lebouf. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Lillian; brother and sister-in-law, Elmer Veitch (spouse Kay), Calvin “Chub” Veitch (spouse Gene); sisters, and brothers-in-law, Helen Nuss (spouse Paul), and Gladys “Sis” Boushee (spouse Robert); son-in-law, Neil Cassanelli.   Memorial Services will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 14, 2017 in Amundson Funeral home, 2975 S. 42nd St., Grand Forks with visitation one hour prior to the service in the funeral home.  Inurnment with military honors will be in Memorial Park North Cemetery, Grand Forks.  Memorials are preferred to Emerado Presbyterian Church or the East Grand Forks Veterans of Foreign Wars.