James "Jim" Marback
April 22, 1934 ~ September 8, 2024
Born in:
Devils Lake, ND
Resided in:
Fargo, ND
Jim’s service will be viewable on this page shortly before it starts.
James “Jim” Marback passed away on September 8, 2024 at Eventide Senior Living, Fargo ND.
James Marback was born April 22, 1934 in Devils Lake, ND, the son of Joseph and Catherine (Degenstein) Marback. He grew up in Devils Lake, graduating from Devils Lake High School in 1952. He worked for the National Guard at Camp Grafton, ND, for two years. He then worked as a salesman at Nash Finch in Devils Lake. He transferred to Williston, ND, in 1956. He married the love of his life Joette Martinson August 25, 1956, in St. Joseph Catholic Church in Devils Lake. He began working at Gamble’s Skogmo in Williston in 1958. In 1959, the couple moved to Devils Lake, where he worked at Blue Cross Blue Shield for six years. In 1964, he transferred to Grand Forks, ND. In 1972, he transferred to Fargo. He retired from Blue Cross Blue Shield in 1992, and began his own insurance agency, Marback Insurance Agency. He retired in 2001. He loved time with his family, traveling, going to the YMCA, fishing, golfing, playing cards, making beer & wine, and was a total beer snob and foodie. He was the happiest person anyone will ever know.
He is survived by his daughters Julie (Douglas) Thorstad and Lori (Michael) Jandro, both of Fargo; his sons Richard Marback of North Carolina, and Steven (Pam) Marback of Grand Forks; eight grandchildren: Jason and Joey Thorstad, Jimmy, Stacy, and Kyle (Jatia) Jandro, Kelsey (Mackenzie) Steen, Brittany (Nick) Okke of Fargo, and Jenny (Richard) Barnes of Grand Forks; eleven great-grandchildren; his brother Terry (Denise) Marback of Devils Lake; and sister-in-law Pauline Kvamme of Grand Forks; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.
Jim was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years Joette; his parents; his brother Valentine; sister-in-law Carol; brother-in-law Wesley; sister-in-law Elaine; nephew Brian; brother-in-law Odin; niece Marlene; and daughter-in-law Pam.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to “Friends of Chimbote” mission at https://www.friendsofchimbote.org/donate. PH: 701-364-0162.
Services
Visitation - Tuesday: September 24, 2024 1:00 pm
Nativity Catholic Church, Fargo
1825 S 11th St.
Fargo , North Dakota 58103
(701) 232-2414
https://www.nativitycatholicchurch.net/
Memorial Service - Tuesday: September 24, 2024 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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So sorry for your loss. I will always have fond memories of camping, time around the campfire and the great stories your Dad would tell. May the happy memories be a blessing to all you.
May You Rest In Eternal Peace Mr J. Marback.
I worked with Jim for over 25 years at Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota. I never knew a more enthusiastic, positive thinking member of our team at the Blues than Jim. Watching him in action, he was a Ph.D. course in how to sell and market health insurance. Nobody did it better or more successfully. During our working years, Jim and I would play tennis. He was extremely competitive, even while recovering from orthopedic surgery. If they say that legendary Molly Brown was “unsinkable,” I say Jim Marback was unstoppable! May God bless his memory and the Marback family.
Jim was a great friend in the 80s and 90s when we enjoyed dozens if not hundreds of racket ball cut throat games at the downtown YMCA. Jim was a good competitor and excellent player but just enjoyed the game for itself and all his playing partners and opponents. We were all great friends. I have missed those games and Jim greatly. My condolences to the family and others who got to know Jim.
Jim Marback was a high school classmate of mine (Lola Murray); my husband, Don “Swede” Patnoude, also knew Jim. Most recently, we saw Jim at Adin & Marlene Kleven’s home in Fargo, and had an enjoyable visit. Both of us were teachers, first in North Dakota and then in Minnesota, until we retired. Have lived in Breckenridge, MN, since 1969. Spent many winters in Florida. Both of us are 90 years old. (Just saw the item in the Forum today.)
I got to know Jim at BCBSND when I had their account I was marketing too for ma Bell. Had great respect for him. Our condolences on your loss. Jim was a good guy!
E . John Carlson
We are so very sorry for the loss of your dad, and Grandpa. He must’ve been an amazing dad. I say this because my daughter married into a very warm, loving, and supportive family. Your Dad/Grandpa helped shape who you are. He did good❤️
His family values all live on in you.
Our sympathies, Rick & Sabina Traulich
Julie and Lori:
I am so glad we saw both of your parents in July 2023. They were such good friends with my parents Norm and Patty Hanson.
Love to you, your brothers, and the rest of the family.
Sandra Hanson
Jim was my “boss” at BCBS in the 1980’s…he was always fun, encouraging, generous and full of life. He was a little dynamo! He and Josette were a great, loving couple. Rest in peace, Jim.
Sorry to hear about Jim. Enjoyed playing racquetball with him at the Y. Rest in peace.
Rick Johnson
My dad was my best friend and he will be greatly missed