James "Jim" J. Aaker

James J “Jim” Aaker – age 70, father, uncle, husband, and grandpa passed away surrounded by his beloved children Thursday, July 25, 2024 at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks.

A funeral service will be held in memory of Jim at Relevant Life Church in Fargo, ND. It will be officiated by his son Eric Aaker and Pastor Travis Linn. Special music will be presented by Joshua Gunderson and Gary/Joan Bahr.

Jim was born March 5, 1954 to James Burton and Doris Alice Marie (Miller) Aaker. He was raised on a small farm outside of Tolna, ND. James was the oldest of his siblings (Vance, Kenneth, and Chuck). He graduated from Tolna High School and attended college at Lake Region State College where he earned his AA in Criminal Justice. During his time in Devils Lake, he met and soon married his wife Michele Rae (Sparks) Aaker. Jim and Michele eventually moved their family to Devils Lake where they welcomed their two boys, Eric and Donovan. They then moved on to Lakota where they expanded their family to include their only daughter, Emily.

James spent much of his occupational time either farming or working in close relationships with those that were still able to be farming. When he wasn’t pouring himself out for anybody that asked anything of him he enjoyed finding time to himself either fishing or reading a book. You didn’t have to look too far from the library to find Jim in a comfortable chair with a book in one hand and a cup of coffee in the other.

Jim’s health began to deteriorate slowly year over year after his wife passed away in December of 2013. He suffered medical setbacks that slowly led to him needing full time care. He spent the last of his days in Valley Senior Living in Grand Forks, ND. The staff made it very clear that even though he wasn’t the most outgoing he was definitely unforgettable. 

Jim is survived by his 3 children and their families, Eric (Carmen, Liam, Clara, Quinn), Donovan (Jenn), and Emily (Todd, Gabriel, Athena, Spencer). He is also survived by his 3 brothers, Kenneth (Becky), Vance (Karen), and Chuck (Sharon). He is preceded in death by his wife Michele as well as his parents, James and Doris, as well as numerous other family members.