James "Jim" Kappel

Jim’s service will be livestreamed below at 10 AM, August 13th

James (Jim) Gerard Kappel, 65, of West Fargo, North Dakota passed away peacefully at Sanford hospital surrounded by his loved ones on August 8, 2022 after a nearly 3-year courageous battle with stage 4 brain and lung cancer.

Jim was born on September 8, 1956 in Rugby, North Dakota to James Joseph and Jean Ann (Lies) Kappel. He graduated from Rugby High School in 1974, and continued his educational path by attending NDSU where his passion for NDSU and NDSU athletics all began. He truly was considered one of NDSU’s top fans; you could always find his head deep into a Bison article, listening to anything related to the Bison on the radio, or attending any Bison sporting event. On July 24th, 1982, he married Connie (Jensen) Kappel. Jim and Connie moved from Bismarck, North Dakota to Fargo where they raised their family, and Jim began his 37-year career journey as the executive director of SENDCAA in Fargo. Jim’s passion was his career; his strong desire and will to assist families in fighting homelessness and serving those in poverty will forever be remembered at SENDCAA. Jim’s health played a role in his retirement in March 2022, but the legacy he left on so many people throughout his entire SENDCAA career will never be forgotten.

Jim was a loving father, husband, grandfather, brother, and friend to everyone. There was no greater joy in Jim’s life than his 5 grandchildren. He loved them dearly and enjoyed spending time with them while creating a lifetime of memories. Jim’s place of comfort and enjoyment was his lake home in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. He spent every weekend in the summer at the lake and was always working on a home improvement project, tinkering with tools, building something, driving the pontoon around the lake with his grandkids, or aimlessly walking around the yard looking at trees while holding a grandbaby. Jim’s witty sense of humor, his sarcastic/sly comments, his gentle soul, patient/calm presence, and heart of gold will be greatly missed by all who know and love him.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Connie, of 40 years and their 2 children, daughter Karisa (Andy) Meyhuber of West Fargo, ND; son Jared Kappel of West Fargo, ND; 5 grandchildren – Kaydence (12), Kaytlynn (10), Konner (8), Kennadee (6), and Kolten (4); sisters Kathy (Jerry) Meagher of Grand Forks, ND Patty Drege of Puerta Vallarta, and Theresa (Robert) Balentine of New Hampshire; Mother-in-law Marion Jensen of Fargo, ND; sisters-in-law Sherrie (Jeff) Barnes of Fargo, ND, Rhonda (Tim) Luter of St. Louis, MO, Peggy (Scott) Balvitsch of Kenmare, ND; brother-in-law Jerry (Julie) Jensen of Carrington, ND. Jim will be dearly missed by many extended family members and close friends. He was preceded in death by his parents (James and Jean Kappel), Godson (Brandon Drege), Father-in-law (Lloyd Jensen), Sister-in-law (Bonnie (Jensen) Gisvold), and many loving extended family members.

A special heart-felt thank you to the entire staff at Roger Maris Cancer Center; specifically, Dr. Wiisanen, Dr. Foster, and their nursing team for providing Jim with the best care and treatment throughout his entire cancer battle.

A Celebration of Life Prayer Service will take place Saturday at 10 am, August 13th, at Boulger Funeral home with a visitation one hour prior. The service will be livestreamed on the funeral home website. Please wear all and any NDSU Bison apparel or TEAM Jim gear – dress casual!