James Mattson

James (Jim) C. Mattson, 85, of Grand Forks, ND passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 21, 2019, at his home surrounded by his loving family.  Jim was born on the family farm near Drayton, ND on April 13, 1934 to Torbies and Sophie (Arnesen) Mattson.  He attended The Mattson Country Grade School and graduated from Drayton High School in 1952.  He continued his education at Compton College in Compton, CA.  After he returned to Drayton, he worked for a construction company and then worked on the ore boats on the Great Lakes.  Jim married Ruth Schumacher on March 28, 1958 at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Drayton.  They became the proud parents of five children.

Jim began his 34 year career with the Northern States Power Company in Grand Forks, ND in 1959.  The family then moved to Grand Forks.  He retired in 1993.  After his retirement, he worked for Eco-Lab for 5 years delivering trucks all over the nation and assisted Sproule Farms during potato harvest.  He also enjoyed spending time at Century Electric with his son Greg and drives to his family farm by Drayton, ND.

Jim was an active member at Immanuel Lutheran Church and enjoyed serving the Lord in many ways.  He was president of the Ben Franklin Elementary School PTA: was a member at the IBEW-Local 1426 and served on their Executive Board for many years.  He enjoyed hunting, gardening, reading, bowling, playing guitar, keyboard, piano, watching the Minnesota Twins, football, Sioux and NHL hockey.  The time spent with his family was his favorite.  He and Ruth always enjoyed the time spent attending all the activities their children and grandchildren participated in throughout the years. 

James is survived by his wife of 61 years, Ruth: his two daughters:  Cindy (Lonnie) Johnson, Drayton, ND:  Vicki (Rod) Jensen, Fergus Falls, MN:  his three sons:  Greg (Jodi) Mattson, Grand Forks, ND:  Brent (Tami) Mattson, Minot, ND:  Perry (DeAnn) Mattson, Grand Forks, ND: fifteen grandchildren: Amber Redmann., Brittany (Robert) Mahar, Blake (Becky) Johnson, Michelle (Spencer) Mindeman, Todd (Jocelyn) Mattson, Bethany Mattson, David Jensen, Amanda (Ryan) DeYounge, Nathan (Sarah) Jensen, Rachel, Taylor, Halle, and Brock Mattson, Lexi (Ryan) Todhunter, Abby (Rocco) Grimaldi: fifteen great grandchildren: Stella Redmann, Julie Johnson,  Wyatt, Emma, and Rory Mattson, Levi, Lydia, Luke, and Leo DeYounge, Ruthy, Lief, Benjamin, and Milly Jensen, Weston and Gianna Todhunter: his brother, Ted (Donna) Mattson, Fontana, CA and many nieces and nephews.  Jim was preceded in death by his parents, brothers: Vernon, Wallace, Daniel: sisters, Helen Mattson, Edith Coulthart, Joyce Schaefer, Lorraine Olson, and Delores Green.

Visitation for family and friends will be held at Amundson Funeral Home, 2975 S. 42^nd St., Grand Forks from 5:00 to 7:00 pm with a prayer service at 7:00 pm on Thursday,  September 26, 2019.  Funeral services will be at 11:00 am on  Friday, September 27,  2019 at Immanuel Lutheran Church 1710 Cherry St., Grand Forks.    A Reception will be held at the fellowship hall at the church following the service.  Interment will be at the Drayton, ND cemetery following the reception. 

The family suggests memorials to Immanuel Lutheran Church or a charity of your choice.