James C. Ibach
May 11, 1947 ~ March 2, 2025
Born in:
Fargo, North Dakota
Resided in:
Fargo, North Dakota
James’ service will be livestreamed below at 10:00 am, Wednesday, March 5, 2025
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of James Charles Ibach. James passed away on March 2, 2025, at the age of 77, at Essentia Hospital in Fargo, ND.
Born on May 11, 1947, in Fargo, North Dakota, James to Anton and Katie (Rohrich) Ibach. He attended Fargo schools and served as an altar boy in his youth, embodying the values of service and faith from an early age. At the age of 17, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving his country during the Vietnam War from 1967 to 1969. His patriotism and dedication to fellow veterans was evident throughout his life, as he actively participated in organizations such as AM Vets, the American
Legion, VFW, and the Disabled Veterans.
James devoted 38 years of his life to Pepsi-Cola, where he worked as a manager in the warehouse, earning the respect and admiration of his colleagues. His work ethic was matched only by his passion for gardening and fishing. James took immense joy in sharing the fruits of his labor, providing fresh vegetables to family, friends, and neighbors. He would spend afternoons canning cucumbers with his brother, Larry. He also enjoyed pheasant hunting with his brothers.
On March 15, 1975, James married the love of his life, Viola Walter. Together, they built a nurturing home filled with warmth and love, graced by their furry companions, Sasha and Blakely. This year marks their 50th wedding anniversary
James is survived by his wife, Viola; his sisters: Angie Rogne of Fort Smith, AK; Marcella Caldwell of Moorhead, MN; and Shirley Bessel of Fargo, ND; his brothers: Larry (Jackie) Ibach of Audubon, MN, and Mike (Lori) Ibach of Fargo, ND; along with sisters-in-law Becky and Lanetta Walters, and brothers-in-law John (Jeanne) and Steve (Evie) Walters; more than 30 nieces and nephews, more than 30 great nieces and nephews, and many great greats
James is preceded in death by his parents, Anton and Katie; Tony and Gloria Ibach, Willie and Carol Ibach, Harold Caldwell, Ray Rogne, Helen and Roger Lee, Kenny Bissel, Darlene and Leonard Rheault, Dennis Walters, Delores Walters, Barbara Walters, and his fur baby, Sasha.
Services
Visitation: March 5, 2025 9:00 am - 10:00 am
Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center
123 10th Street S.
Fargo, North Dakota 58103
701-237-6441
www.boulgerfuneralhome.com
Funeral: March 5, 2025 10:00 am
Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center
123 10th Street S.
Fargo, North Dakota 58103
701-237-6441
www.boulgerfuneralhome.com
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He was a good trooper
He will be missed
Him being a Vietnam era veteran was a hard thing . The men that were sent there or , volunteered were so brave , I can’t imagine. But they went. Very confusing times. Anyway, I want everyone to know that Jim the most courageous person I know. Larry the same kudos, You guys are hero’s, every day of the week! I won’t be able to talk at the funeral. 🙏
One of my favorite memories is going to Jim and Dads huge garden by the river. I would volunteer to pull weeds (and get some sun). When the work was done there was aways a cold beverage provided. Jim made sure Mom and I got beets to can each year even if he didn’t grow any! We will miss you Uncle Jim.
Always looked forward to seeing Jim and Tony back at the Pepsi warehouse back in the early 80’s when I had a route fresh out of highschool. I do miss them both and have a lot of fond memories of both. One of my favorite memories was bribing the checking crew with treats we’d pickup on the route to get checked in first – it would drive some of the reps. Crazy! Haha
I’m sure sorry to hear of Jim’s passing –
Cherish your special memories.
Deepest condolences to Vi and family. I got to know Jim when he would visit the Elks. He liked to joke with me when I would wait on him. May he rest in peace.
Jim was a great boss and friend. I work with Jim at Pepsi for many years. My condolences to Vi. RIP Jim.
I have to share a funny story about Jim. One Fall weekend, Jim, Willie, Mike, Vi and I all went hunting together, and we all stayed in the same motel room. Big mistake! 😀 While we were hunting, the guys thought Vi and I should try shooting the gun, but of course, they failed to mention that the gun should be pressed against the shoulder, or it will kick back. Needless to say, the Ibach brothers giggled over that, and I went home with a bruised shoulder. Then, later on in the middle of the night, Jim decided he was hungry and opened his cooler to grab a jar of pickles. If you remember Jim’s cooler,, you knew that it needed W-D 40 or something because it screeched unbelieveably loud. So, first he wakes us all up with his screeching cooler, and then he proceeds to slurp and crunch his pickles loudly. When he was done, he had to open his squealing cooler to put the pickles back, so we sighed with relief thinking we could all go back to sleep. But ohhhh no! Jim had to open the noisest bag of chips I’ve ever heard, and crunch on them loudly. Finally, he was done eating and fell back to sleep. However, Vi and I had to deal with three Ibach brothers snoring loudly in our tiny motel room. I ended up sleeping in my truck that night, but it’s one memory that we all remember fondly, and still laugh about to this day. Jim, you will be missed.
He had such a great sense of humor. We partnered up and dressed up for a Halloween contest one year. I was 8 months pregnant and dressed as a pregnant nun. Jim was Father Sinner and unknown to me he handed out condoms instead of candy. 😂
Jim was a kind hearted soul and loved his dear pets.
RIP Jim and hugs and prayers to Vi.
I worked with Jim for a few decades. Just a great guy, low key, honest and fun.
There should be more Jim Ibach in this world.
I’ll miss him for sure.
Rest in peace buddy!
So sorry for your loss.
Jim was so fun to work with, I worked with him back in the 90’s, I was the receptionist at that time, well let’s say a lot of the calls were for Jim. Great memories! RIP Jim 🙏
The best friend a person could ever have. We spent a lot of time together in Vietnam and had a lot of good memories toget her.
Our thoughts are with you as you morn the loss of your loved one Jim. Jan and Tom Hanson