James J. Gress

James John Gress, age 89, of Fargo, North Dakota, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at HIA Hospice House in Fargo. James was born on February 5, 1936 in Richardton, ND, to Joseph and Regina (Hoff) Gress.

Growing up on the family farm north of Richardton, ND, Jim attended school at Assumption Abbey, graduating in 1954. Shortly thereafter, he enlisted in the U.S. Army alongside three of his closest friends. Upon returning home, he married his high school sweetheart, Vernetta Jantzer, on February 17, 1958, at St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Hebron, ND.

Pursuing his passion for engineering, Jim attended the University of North Dakota, where he earned a degree in Civil Engineering. After graduation he and Vernetta moved their growing family to Dickinson, ND, in 1962, where he worked for the North Dakota Highway Department. As a family of five, they moved to Fargo in 1965.

As a licensed professional engineer (PE), Jim started a 35 year career with Industrial Builders Inc, in Fargo, ND. He retired in 2000 as the executive vice chairman of the company. One of the highlights of his career was the construction and completion of the Fargodome. Even in retirement, his passion for engineering did not fade; he established his own consulting firm, Partnering Solutions, where he worked as a mediator in the engineering field, offering his expertise to others.

Jim’s greatest joy was spending time with his treasured wife, Vernetta. They spent time at the lake, traveled, played cards, bowled, and attended many social events together. Jim’s other interests included spending time with friends and family by golfing, going for a drive, hunting, or enjoying a cocktail with them. He also enjoyed many activities with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Jim was a kind, thoughtful, and gentle man who loved his family and his life. He lived his life well through humor and hard work. He spoke with authority and gained the respect of many. Jim had a positive, can-do spirit that was an inspiration to anyone who knew him. He will be missed greatly by many.

Jim leaves behind his cherished spouse, Vernetta; children Kimberly (James) Durben, Pamela (Richard) Kunz, and David (Laurie) Gress; grandchildren Elizabeth (Kevin) Kochmann, Aaron (Andrea) Kunz, James (Catheryn) Kunz, Lindsey (Matthew) Ruff, and Hannah (Alex) Privratsky; eight great-grandchildren; siblings Clarence (Maxine) Gress, Lawrence Gress, and Mary Felton; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings Robert, Wilbur, Carol, and Joann; friends; colleagues; and pets.