James "Jim" LeDoux
April 4, 1956 ~ January 27, 2024
Born in:
Fargo, North Dakota
Resided in:
Fargo, North Dakota
James Eugene (Jim) LeDoux, 67, passed away Saturday, January 27, 2024, at Vibra Hospital of Fargo. Jim (or Jimmy, take your pick) was born in Fargo on April 4th, 1956. He was the 3rd born of Duke and Bernice LeDoux’s 6 children, all of whom attended St. Mary’s grade school and Shanley High School. Jim excelled at sports through those years – All EDC in football, for instance – but wrestling was his forte. He always said wrestling was never “fun” for him but winning was, which in his case was most of the time, eventually as a ND state high school champion and junior college All-American at NDSCS.
Soon after graduating from NDSCS, Jim began working for the City of Fargo, first with the engineering department, then the water department, and shortly thereafter as a police officer and then detective. You could say he was born to be in law enforcement, which he was for 30 years until his retirement in 2009. He also proudly served in the ND Air National Guard for 20 of those years. Most of those who worked with him knew him affectionately as “Duck”.
After retiring from the police department and the Guard, Jim worked for a time as a hall proctor and paraprofessional for Fargo Public Schools.
Through it all he was a dedicated, loving dad to his sons, Nick and Jackson, as well as a loyal son, brother, and friend, all of whom will miss his camaraderie, deadpan humor, and those lucky enough to know his soft, compassionate side.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his partner, Val Boatwright; and his brother-in-law, Jamie Lavelle.
He is survived by his sons; their mother, Barb; siblings, Mike (Mikki), Bill (Kathy), Dan (Chrissie), Jeff (Becky) and Jeanne Lavelle, their families; and all others who knew and loved him.
All are welcome to join Jim’s family to celebrate his life at Boulger Funeral Home, Fargo, ND, Wednesday, February 7, 2024, from 6 to 8 PM.
Services
Celebration of Life - Wednesday: February 7, 2024 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
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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Many good years serving with Duck on the Fargo PD. Lotsa memories of those times, most of them probably best left out of print! We’ll talk about them at the get-together. Also many late nights around the fire at Lake 7 belting out Neil Diamond songs and keeping the neighbors awake. Couple good stories from ice fishing trips to Mille Lacs Lake too. I remember once someone said to him, “Don’t you ever smile?” His reply, with as solemn a look on his face as you can imagine was, “I am smiling.” One of the best ever. GOD has a great cop in heaven now.
Duck, thanks for all the great times at Robertson Hall at NDSSS. It was always a treat to watch your amazing moves at wrestling matches at Bute Gym. Later, chasing bad guys together on Fargo’s mean streets was like an ongoing comedy show. It just a blast working with you. As this is written I’m looking into a hole in the ice waiting for the bite to start. Something I know you liked to do. I will tip one back in a bit in your honor and remember the good old days. Rest in peace Duck.
Melissa Vosen Callens (Robert’s daughter)
I am so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. I have many memories of Jim from growing up in the neighborhood together. In high school we had knee surgery around the same time and would race after school down the hall on our crutches. So many memories. My prayers are with all of you.
So sorry to hear of cousin Jimmy’s passing! My deepest sympathies to his family and his brothers and sister and their families. He will be truly missed.
Kathy (Vosen) Maurer
Your cuz, Michael V. Uncle Juni’s Son.
Nick and Ledoux family,
Please know that you are in our thoughts during this very difficult time.
Sending you love and peace.
Jim was a dedicated and compassionate person who served others really well. I thoroughly enjoyed working with Jim at Fargo North. He was an excellent colleague, and he looked after everyone. He connected so easily with all students, and he developed a positive rapport with all. He will be missed. I’m grateful I had the opportunity to know him! As you grieve and miss him, I hope you find comfort in your memories.
So sorry for your loss
Deepest sympathy. Will always remember morning coffee breaks. He was one of a kind.
My heartfelt condolences and prayers. Mourn his passing and then turn to rich celebration of his remarkable life. Jimmy would appreciate both. Rest in peace my dear friend. Sem
My deepest sympathy to all the LeDoux family. Fond memories of Jimmy from growing up years. Find comfort in all the great memories you have of this wonderful man. Prayers!
We send sympathy and prayers to Duck’s family. We have tons of memories of his deadpan humor and love of life. We loved golfing with Duck & Val for many years when we also lived at Forest Hills Resort and treasure our times spent together. Peace to you all.
We are going to miss you, Jim. You were a great friend and teammate. Even though we did not see each other very much after high school, we had a great time talking about life when we spoke at reunions. Rest in Peace, Jim, you were a great one.
My condolences to the LeDoux family. I go back many years with most of you starting with high school wrestling. Starting with older brothers, leading the way to Jim and me honing our craft through epic battles with no give. We both moved on to college wrestling and I attribute much of my success to Jim and our battles. Jim went to work for the FPD and I went to work for the FFD. Jim retired first and went to work as a hall proctor. When I retired and he told me I had to do the same, that hall proctor was a great job. I had the opportunity to do just that for 9 years at South High and I thanked Jim numerous times for steering in that direction. Our first jobs were very important, but I believe working with the kids was every bit as important work. Again, my sympathies to the family and thank you Jim for your insight into life. RIP
You were a great cop, Duck. Rest well, knowing you more than did your part in making the streets of Fargo a safer place to raise a family.
Sending heartfelt sympathies to Jeff and all the LeDoux clan. Appears Jim had quite the life! Am sure many stories will be told tonight with laughter breaking through the tears. Was he in the Sandpebbles? I listened to the cd on the way home tonight. Carry on his great memories!