James Wold
June 17, 1935 ~ April 19, 2017
A caring, compassionate, thoughtful, and always true gentleman, James “Jim” P. Wold passed away comfortably on April 19, 2017 at his Fargo home. Jim was born to O. Clifford Wold and Gladys K. Antony on June 17, 1935 in Drake, N.D. He attended schools in Langdon and Devils Lake before the family moved to Fargo where he went to St. Anthony’s and Agassiz before graduating from Shanley High School in 1953. He went to college at NDSU and graduated in 1958 with a degree in Business.
Jim married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Mary “Jean” Williams on June 15, 1957 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, Fargo. Jean was homecoming queen and Jim was Captain and Quarterback of the Shanley Class A State Championship football team of 1952. Jim and Jean moved to Rochester, MN in 1958 where he managed the Hotel Arthur and other family enterprises. From 1970 to 1972 the family lived in Arizona where Jim managed the Adams Hotel. In 1972, the Wold family returned to Fargo making this their home where Jim led the families’ hotel enterprises. He led the development and operations of the Fargo Holiday Inn and other hotels in ND, MN, CO, TX, AZ and KS.
Jim was the primary force in hiring, training and managing a couple generations of successful hospitality entrepreneurs and managers. The Fargo Holiday Inn was the recipient of many hospitality industry awards. There are probably few businesses that had such loyal and dedicated employees that took so much pride in what they did. Jim was smart and had great instincts in all business matters….but especially in hiring the right people. The Jim Wold led management team was dedicated to the highest ethical standard which is evidenced by the way they treated their employees, customers and suppliers. Jim has been such a faithful and supportive older brother, such a loyal and trusting friend and a talented and insightful business partner.
Jim was a member of Nativity Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, Minnesota National Guard, and Ducks Unlimited. He was a constant supporter and contributor to numerous charitable and community organizations personally and through the James and Jean Wold Advised Fund at the F-M Area Foundation as well as being a benefactor of the St. John Paull II Catholic Schools through the James P. Wold charitable Lead Trust.
Jim is survived by his son, Jeff Wold, Saudi Arabia, daughter, Sara (Scott) Bleth, Horace, ND, grandchildren; Mark and Lauren Richardson and Carly Bleth, brothers; Tom (Lisa Wheeler) Wold and Don (Micker) Wold; brothers-in-law, Gregory (Denise) Williams, Mike (Susan) Williams, Bud McCroskey; sisters-in-law, Joan (Larry) Schuh, Peggy (Doug) Antonelli, Jane (Larry) LaMont, Deborah (Rob) Hinderliter and Jane Williams.
Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Jean, his son Jay, and his parents, Clifford and Gladys.
Jim’s family would like to thank the many wonderful caregivers, nurses and doctors from Sanford, Eventide and Hospice (Fargo) who offered support and care during Jim’s hard fought battle with esophageal and prostate cancer.
Memorials preferred to St. John Paul II Catholic Schools, Hospice of the Red River Valley and Roger Maris Cancer Center.
Prayer Service: 7:00 P.M. Sunday, April 23, 2017 at Boulger Funeral Home & Celebration of Life Center, Fargo with visitation starting at 6:00 P.M.
Funeral Mass: 10:00 A.M. Monday, April 24, 2017 at Nativity Catholic Church, Fargo.
Burial: Riverside Cemetery, Fargo.
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My prayers and sympathy are with the Wold family. May his soul rest in peace in the company of his loved ones who have gone before him to eternal glory.
I worked at the Holiday Inn in Fargo in 85, and I remember him in his office down the hall along with his brother. He was the nicest man with a kind heart. I am so sorry for your loss and God bless
Jim you are a great man and friend Linda and I will miss your company and big smile
Sara and Jeff:
So sorry to hear of the passing of your father.
So sorry to hear this sad news. We will sure miss seeing Jim at the lake this summer. Thinking of the Wold family and hoping the love of family and friends will comfort and strengthen all of you in the days ahead.
Thinking of you Sara and family as you mourn the loss of you dad.
We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Dave and Laurie Gress
Jim was my dad, Jerry Schlenker’s, best friend up until the day he died in 1988. They were inseparable at Pelican Lake, coffee at the Holiday Inn, Saturday’s at the Lamplight. They enjoyed life with a gusto! He also kept his promise to look after my mom, Marlene, stopping over at her house almost every day to check in. Jim, Jean and Marlene went on several adventures throughout the years, fishing, hunting, going to Pelican Lake, vacations to Padre Island, San Diego. Jim was that rock that made everything okay, even though situations seemed dire. Jim, you were like a 2nd dad to me, gave my boys a lifetime pass at Shipwreck Bay when we used to visit. A generous, caring man to his family that he so adored and the community he cherished. You will be missed but I know you are already laughing at one of Jerry’s jokes right now. Rest easy Jim!
Jim was my hero growing up and was a wonderful “big” cousin for his “little” cousin. I will always have wonderful memories of my summer visits to Fargo and my time with Jim. He will be missed but not forgotten by those of us who loved him. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family at this time of loss.
My sympathy to Jim and Jean Wolds’ family and friends. Beautiful people! Most recent memory of his generosity playing host to a Shanley High Reunion. There are many reasons people called them friends! God Bless!
We worked at the Holiday Inn for many years and Jim made us feel like a “member of the family”. One of the kindest men we have every known.
Jeff and Sara,
In our high school years, I only knew your father as a kind, soft spoken man. I witnessed those same qualities later in life when my wife and I moved in next door to your parents. He was always very pleasant and I really enjoyed visiting with him. He was a good man.
Dear Sara, Jeff, Scott, Mark, Lauren and Carly, You designed a beautiful tribute to Jim filled with love and wonderful family memories. The love of family and friends is among life’s greatest blessing. Thank you for sharing this blessing. My heart is with you. My prayers continue… Love, Aunt Debbie
Jim Wold, one of the good guys, gone, but never to be forgotten. I worked at the Holiday Inn for almost 30 years and Jim and his family made it feel like home. He took care of his friends and we were pleased to do the same. He would stop by our desks for a quick chat to see how things were going. Always a quick laugh and smile at some of the silly things we did. Thank you for being a wonderful leader. My sympathy to his family.
Dear Jeff, Sara & Family, Our hearts go out to you at this sad time. Uncle Jim was always very nice and kind. We cousins enjoyed and appreciated the times we’d come down to your lake place when we were kids and have fun swimming, visiting and jumping on the trampoline. Your mom and dad were always very kind to have us. There are lots of good memories. We pray for your peace and comfort during this difficult time. Thus says the Lord… ” I have heard your prayer and seen your tears. I will heal you.” ~Isaiah 38:5
Sarah and Jeff, My thoughts and prayers are with you both. Your dad was a class act. It was a pleasure to work for him at the Holiday Inn of Fargo. He always had a smile on his face and treated everyone with respect. God Bless
Dear Wold’s
You are all in our prayers. Sorry for your loss!
Peter and Wendy Traynor