James Gailfus

james gailfus
James W. Gailfus, (Jim) age 83 of Fargo ND passed away Tuesday July 7, 2015 at Eventide in Moorhead MN. Jim was born May 1, 1932 in Rolla North Dakota to Alfred R Gailfus and Mary M Gailfus. He attended high school in Rolla and Beulah North Dakota.  He served in the US Army 1952 to 1954 and stationed in Germany.  He married Patricia McCloud at St Joachim’s Catholic Church. Rolla, North Dakota.  They later divorced.  He lived in Rolla North Dakota and in Fargo North Dakota. Jim worked as a carpenter and cabinetmaker in the Rolla Area. He worked for the United States Postal Service as a Rural Mail Carrier in the Rolla, St John and Munich area’s.  Jim owned and operated his own insurance agency as a Professional Insurance Agent. Jim was a member of St Joachim’s St Anne’s Catholic Church in Fargo.  He belonged to many civic organizations he was a member of the Fred C Wagner Legion Post in Rolla and continued his membership over the years.  He was also affiliated with the Western Golf Association of North Dakota; Jim played baseball for the Rolla NoDak’s competing in the MAN-DAK Baseball League.  He helped develop many young baseball players in the Rolla area. Hank Lemieux introduced Jim to golf in 1972.  And he hadn’t stopped playing since. He has been a member of the Rolla Country Club since 1972. He was honored by the Country Club for his accomplishments and service to the Club.  He was inducted into the North Dakota Golf Hall of Fame in the 2002.  His picture and information about his career is on display at the Hawk Tree Golf Course in Bismarck.  He has contributions to the game have been significant.  He was instrumental in starting the Junior Golf Program in Rolla.  He served as a coach for the Rolla, St. John and Belcourt Junior Golf Programs in addition to raising funds for different golf programs.  Jim served on the board for the Western North Dakota Golf Charities for six years. One of his biggest accomplishments was in 1995 when he received first place as a qualifier for the U.S. Senior Amateur Tournament in Kansas He was a football and basketball official for North Dakota High School Sports.   He was an avid Cross Country Ski fanatic who worked with other members in the community to develop trails at the Rolla Community Recreation Site.  Jim was instrumental in developing the Annual Poplar Golf Tournament in Rolla North Dakota.  He competed in many golf tournaments including the Western Pro Am, The International, North Dakota State Senior Amateurs, North Dakota State Best Ball Tournament, the Pine to Palm in Detroit Lakes Minnesota and several others to numerous to mention.  He went on to play in the US National Amateur. He will never be forgotten for his sense of humor and funny stories. He is preceded in death by his parents, Mary & Alfred Gailfus;  Sons, Michael “Mick” Gailfus & Richard “Rick” Gailfus; Sisters Lorraine Ortegel,  Elizabeth “Beth” Fischer & Marjorie Hoff. He is survived by Mary Don Aafedt of Fargo, his sons; David “Charlie” (Rena) Gailfus of Rock Springs, Wyoming; Ross (Beth) Gailfus of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, Rodney “John” Gailfus of Fargo, North Dakota and Daughter Mary Jean “Sam” Gailfus of Fargo North Dakota; Patricia Gailfus, His Grandchildren:  Scott (Sarah) Gailfus, Callie Gailfus, Mikki Gailfus, Afton Moneypenny, R.J. Gailfus, Jennifer Gailfus, Cherish Gailfus, Adam (Serena) Mickelson, Sara Mickelson, Ben Gailfus, Jeffery Gailfus, Ryan Gailfus & Kyle Gailfus.  Great-Grandchildren; Emma & Brody Gailfus & Milo Mickelson.  Sibling’s Robert (Janice) Gailfus, Puyallup WA; Richard (Helen) Gailfus, Bloomington MN; Greta Monette, Ellendale ND; John Gailfus, Longview WA; William “Bill” (Nanette) Gailfus, Phoenix AZ; Debbie Iverson, Tioga ND, and Dianne (Ed) Peltier, Belcourt ND    He is preceded in death by his parents, Alfred & Mary Gailfus;  Sons, Michael “Mick” Gailfus & Richard “Rick” Gailfus; Sisters, Lorraine Ortegel,  Elizabeth “Beth” Fischer & Marjorie Hoff. Prayer Service at Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center, Fargo North Dakota will be held Saturday July 11th 1 pm viewing and 2 pm service.  Rosary, at St Joachim’s Catholic Church in Rolla North Dakota, Monday July 13th with viewing at 5 pm followed by the Rosary Service at 7 PM.  Funeral Mass will be Tuesday July 14th at 10:30 AM followed by Internment at Rolla Cemetery. Family asks that memorials may be made to the Mt Pleasant High School Scholarship Fund

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  1. Jim,
    Thank you for all you’ve done for the game of golf. You’ll be greatly missed.
    Your friends at the Osgood Golf Course

  2. From my family and fellow Packer Fan’s we offer our sincerest condolences to Callie and her family. May God Bless you all through these difficult times.

  3. Many good memories of Jim. I will always remember golfing with him and Dad when i was a young fellow. he always had a big smile for everyone. i am sure him and Dad are hitting the HEAVEN links already. thoughts and prayers out to the entire Gailfus family.

    Patrick Lemieux and family.

  4. “Uncle Jim” was one of those uncles you would brag to your friends about. Jokes galore, knowledge in sports like no other, and always a big smile. I had the opportunity to sit behind him at an NDSU basketball game last year or the year before. I was totally amazed at the number of people that stopped to talk to him. AND, they were all able to carry on a meaningful conversation despite his speech. My prayers go out to all our family’s. I’m sure he will be missed by many many people.

  5. Dearest Jim, you will be missed by anyone who had the pleasure of being in your company, especially on the golf course. You were the first one to teach me how to golf, play the course but love the game. Who would ever imagine, when I was with my son, Ben, in Austads this past summer while he was trying out clubs for custom fitting, when who walked in but Jim Gailfus, it was awesome getting that bear hug, grin, “dammit” followed by a big chuckle, you promptly started picking out clubs for Ben to try and giving wordless advice as only you could. Ben loved it and you amazed him. I will always treasure the game of golf and more importantly you. We won’t make your service as we are on our yearly golf vacation, something, I know you would understand. Rest in peace, enjoy golfing with your boys. To Sam and family, so sorry for your loss. Sam we must get together and share a beer or coffee and reminisce. Hugs & prayers!a

  6. Jim will be so greatly missed by the many people he touched on this earth, & with his big warm smile he would always greet us all with.
    My thoughts are with all who loved him.
    May Jim now RIP.

    Ben Z
    West Fargo

  7. MaryDon and family to Jim…

    I was so sad to hear that Jim had passed. He definitely knew how to brighten a room…and to show people he cared. I will miss him stopping by the office to say hello. I was out of town for the service here in Fargo…was so sorry to miss it. I hope to visit with you soon MaryDon. You are in my thoughts. With love, Nan


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