James J. Gress
February 5, 1936 ~ October 29, 2025
Resided in: Fargo, North Dakota
Memorial Mass
Prayer Service:
James John Gress, age 89, of Fargo, ND, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at HIA Heather’s 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, 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 in 1962, he and Vernetta moved their growing family to Dickinson, ND, 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. He retired in 2000 as the executive vice chairman. 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 leaves behind his cherished wife, 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, 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.
Services
Prayer Service: Sunday, November 9, 2025 5:00 pm
Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center
123 10th Street S.
Fargo, North Dakota 58103
701-237-6441
www.boulgerfuneralhome.com
Visitation: Sunday, November 9, 2025 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center
123 10th Street S.
Fargo, North Dakota 58103
701-237-6441
www.boulgerfuneralhome.com
Memorial Mass: Monday, November 10, 2025 2:00 pm
Nativity Catholic Church, Fargo
1825 S 11th St.
Fargo , North Dakota 58103
(701) 232-2414
https://www.nativitycatholicchurch.net/
Visitation: Monday, November 10, 2025 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Nativity Catholic Church, Fargo
1825 S 11th St.
Fargo , North Dakota 58103
(701) 232-2414
https://www.nativitycatholicchurch.net/
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Vernetta and family:
Jim was a huge influence in my early life. His knowledge about so many different things always impressed me. I enjoyed his willingness to share his understanding of people, engineering, business, and relationships when I started working with him at Industrial Builders, Inc. Condolences from all our family to yours on the passing of a truly great guy, who helped build some very impressive landmarks in our world. May he rest in Peace.
In April of 1973 James took a chance on me and I spent the next 46 years working under him and others at IBI, Industrial Builders, Inc. Memories too numerous to mention.
May He Rest In Peace and may GOD give comfort to Vernetta and all of his family
It was great growing up and working with you on the family farm. You taught me so much. Rest in peace big brother.
Blessings,
Clancy
Kim and Jim,So sorry to hear of the loss of your father.Prayers for you and your family during these hard times. 🙏Randy and Sandra
We were very saddened to hear of Uncle Jim’s passing.
He was a class act, always very kind, warm smile and a pleasure to be with. He was definitely one of the good ones. Greg respected his engineering expertise and enjoyed talking construction with him.
Please know our prayers are with you all in your time of loss.🙏🙏
Sherry & Greg Wilz
Dave, Laurie and Gress Family, so sorry for the loss of your Dad. Our prayers & thoughts are with your entire family.
Tom & Mary Schott