James Pettinger
October 25, 1936 ~ February 14, 2016
James F. Pettinger died Sunday, February 14, 2016 at Rosewood on Broadway under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley, at the age of 79.
James Francis Pettinger was born in Fargo on October 25, 1936 to Mary (Donohue) and William Joseph Pettinger. Jim was a lifelong resident of Fargo and graduated from Shanley High School in 1955. His family were founding members of Holy Spirit Catholic Church where he remained a member. Jim joined the Air National Guard and later took full time Guard employment, serving in recruitment and safety. He retired as a Senior Master Sargent after 41 years.
Jim was active in the Knights of Columbus during his earlier years, becoming Grand Knight of the Fargo Council 782. He enjoyed his lake cottage on Lake Melissa and involvement with the Ed Clapp Senior Center where he helped with Meals on Wheels and other activities. He also served on the board of directors for Valley Senior Services and was president of the board for four years. He was active with the Gilbert C. Grafton Post #2 of the American Legion in Fargo.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents: Mary and William Joseph Pettinger; He is survived by his sister, Mary Jo (Lon) Cooke, Ann Arbor, MI; and brothers: Thomas (Joyce) and Robert Pettinger of Fargo; 6 nephews and 1 niece; 13 grandnieces and nephews. He is also survived by special friends and many others at the Ed Clapp Senior Center who were like family to him.
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Jim was always a Happy Hooligan no matter what position he was in. May he rest in piece!
I’m so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. I was able to visit with him a few times while visiting my mother and uncle. A very nice man to have known.
Jim will be missed by the people at the senior center.
Jim was always helpful and friendly to me; especially when I first came into the ND Air Guard from active duty. Jim was a true Happy Hooligan and will not be forgotten. He will be sorely missed.
We are in HI and regretfully will not be able to attend the funeral, but we will be there in thought and prayer. God bless his memory!
Heaven welcomed a great man who always had a smile and was kind to all. We will always remember him for his Christian work at his church and his community. It was an honor to be one of his many friends.
Gerry and Vicki Tillman
With tho’ts and prayers to family and friends of Jim. Jim was just about the first “Happy Hooligan” I met after returning from Anchorage, Alaska. Having joined the full time “Hooligans” – I had the privilege of knowing Jim on a daily basis – he was a likeable person and always had a funny quip to leave you with happy tho’ts. Jim was a proud member of the “Happy Hooligans” – never to be forgotten by other “Hooligans” and those who knew him. God speed Jim!
Jim was a great person. Lots of good memories.
Jim was my recruiter when I joined the Hooligans in 1980. I worked in the same building with him for the first few years I was there, and he always had a bright Hi, and smile for you when you walked past his office. Thoughts and prayers to his family and friends!! May he rest in peace…
I’m very sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. My deepest condolences to his family and especially to his younger brother, Bob.
I met Mr. Pettinger at the VA where I work as a nurse. I so enjoyed visiting with him – he always had a smile on his face and we shared many interesting conversations. I also would see him at the Fargo Carlson library where he volunteered because I live in that area. Again, it was always so nice to see him and he always was so kind and had a great sense of humor. He will be missed. His service to our country and to his community will not be forgotten. My deepest sympathies to his family and friends.
Sincerely,
Patti
Jim was a classmate and good friend for over 60 years…..he was always interested in our class reunions and had a special feeling for Shanley High School! I saw him often at the Clapp Senior Center and that became his second home…he gave a lot, always happily! May he rest in peace!
Bob,
I’m sorry to hear about your brother. I didn’t know him, but I recognized his picture. He was someone who I saw at Ed Clapp when I went to play Bingo.
My sympathy goes out to you and your family members.
What a great friend to me and my Aunt Jeannie. Many accomplishments, and yet so humble. Always a good tight hug at the Senior Center when I came to deliver Meals on Wheels. He was the most genuine person I ever met. Fly high, Jim.
I will be forever grateful for Jim’s friendship to my sister and me. He was our “angel” when we needed one. We were blessed and thankful that he was a part of our lives. We will always remember him for his kindness and sense of humor. May he be having fun with God’s angles now. xxoo
Jim was a good Catholic and Knight. I heard a lot about him through my sisters, Linda & Monica Fedora. I thank him for being such a good friend to them. God Bless!
I’m sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. I know he meant a lot to many friends. He will be missed.
Sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. What a special man he was & touched the lives of many people. His kindness and caring for those around him will be truly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. May God bless you and give you strength and peace during this sad time.
I had the pleasure of knowing Jim for the past few years through my sister–in–law, Linda Fedora. Jim and Linda were very good friends and spent quality time together in a variety of activities including the Senior Center. I will always remember Jim as a very friendly guy with a big smile and a great sense of humor. He will be missed by many here on earth. I just hope heaven appreciates who they got.
I’m sorry of your loss in Jim’s Passing. He was a great and treasured friend to my sisters Linda and Monica.He will be greatly missed .My sympathy.
Jim was a dear friend to my mom and spent many times with our family. My mom really enjoyed going to the senior center because of Jim’s kindness and friendship. He always had a big hug and he will be missed. I am thankful for Jim and the time he spent at the center. May God bless his friends and family.
Proud to have served with him.
Jim will be remembered for his kind smile & willingness to lend a hand. An American patriot with many memories.