James Raymond Litzinger

To watch a recording of the service, please use the link: https://youtu.be/EWLgYYMCxOE 
James Litzinger, 78 of Grand Forks, passed away Saturday, July 20, 2024, at his home surrounded by his loving family. 

James was born in Grand Forks, ND, on August 29, 1945, the son of Paul (Cookie) and Elizabeth (Feist) Litzinger. He grew up in Grand Forks and graduated from St. James High School in 1964. James was united in marriage to Susan Brewer on November 5, 1966, at St. Micheal Catholic Church in Grand Forks. They travel to California for their honeymoon after their marriage and the travels and adventures continued throughout their marriage to various countries and all over the United States. 

Jim began his career at the Grand Forks Herald when he was twelve years old, throwing bundles of newspapers from a pickup truck to delivery carriers, earning $11.00 per week. He started his mail room apprenticeship in 1965 and eventually was promoted to mailroom manager until his retirement. 

Along with working his full-time job, Jim became a beekeeper at the age of 33. He would still be working with the bees if the brain tumor hadn’t taken his life. Even though Jim was considered a “hobbyist” beekeeper, he had years in which he produced over 25 tons of honey.

Jim was an avid hunter, fisherman, snow skier, softball player and bowler. He loved camping in the summers with his family as well as camping in the Colorado mountains, hunting Elk with his Herald buddies. Jim was adventurous and fearless in life. When his daughter Julie was 16, they both decided to go skydiving. Luckily it was a success. 

Jim was always planning the next adventure with his family. Jim, Susan, Julie and Randy enjoyed their time at their Minnesota cabin. They would spend hours on the Heartland bike trails surrounding the cabin.

Over the years, Jim perfected the art of cooking. Being from a large family, he would always cook “for an army”. You were very likely to take leftovers home for a week.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Susan; daughter, Julie Litzinger and her husband, Randal Luehring; sister, Delores Moore; brothers, David (Dianne) Litzinger, Richard Litzinger, Joseph (Susi) Litzinger, Paul Jr. Litzinger, Michael (Kristi) Litzinger, John Litzinger and Jeffery Litzinger; Sister-in-Law, Barbara Litzinger and several adored nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Paul “Cookie” and Elizabeth Litzinger. Father-in-law and mother-in-law, Harlan and Hannah Brewer, brother, George Litzinger, sister, Paulene Stene, brother-in-law, Noel Moore, niece, Kelly Wells and nephew, Bradley Litzinger.

Visitation will be at from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Thursday, July 25, 2024, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Grand Forks, ND with a vigil service at 6:30 p.m. Memorial Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, July 26, 2024, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Grand Forks, ND.