James Lehse
April 8, 1947 ~ October 23, 2020
James' Live Streamed Funeral Service can be viewed below starting at 10:45 A.M.:
James Allen Lehse, 73, passed away October 23, 2020 at his residence in Fargo, ND.
James (Jim) was born in Fargo in 1947 to Ernest and Edna (Regier) Lehse. He grew up in Moorhead, MN and graduated from Moorhead High School in 1965. He then enlisted in the United States Airforce and served in the Vietnam War where he was stationed in Phan-Rang.
Jim had a son, Matthew, with his first wife Coralee. He married RaeAnn Christl July 9th, 1984 and they made their home in Fargo, ND.
After retiring from the Air Force, he worked security for several companies. His most recent career was working for Advanced Security at the Hector International Airport. In 2018, while working for the airport, he saved a man's life by performing CPR, and he was recognized by FM Ambulance and the Fargo Fire Department for his heroic actions.
Jim had a passion for fishing, hunting, and spending time with his grandchildren. For 30 years he helped many men, women, and children achieve their hunter safety certification as a hunter education instructor. He also was given the opportunity to teach some of his grandchildren in hunters safety. He enjoyed conversation and storytelling with anyone who would be willing to listen.
He is survived by his son, Matthew (Kristy) Lehse, adopted children, Leah (Tom) Tvedt, Chris (Rolanda) Lehse and step-children, Jeannie (Dale) Kathrein, James (Shannon) Christl, Paul (Katie) Christl; grandchildren, Anden and Eian Lehse; Alec Tvedt, Maddison and Miah Lehse; step-grandchildren, Mac and Jack Christl, Morgan and Maddie Christl, Alivia and Isabella Kathrein, Mari (Jj) Regula, and Sam Kjos; and brothers, Steve and Bruce Lehse.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Edna Lehse; wife, RaeAnn Lehse; grandchildren, Dane Tvedt and James.
The family is holding a private funeral service at Boulger Funeral Home on Thursday October 29, but the family would like to invite everyone to join them for the burial at the Fargo National Cemetery (8709 40th Ave N, Harwood, ND) at 1:00 PM. The funeral will be livestreamed on Boulger’s website at 11:00 AM on Thursday, October 29.
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RIP Jim, you were one of the good guys!
R.I.P. Old warrior. I always enjoyed our chats my friend. God speed!
RIP Jim, it was an honor knowing you, you were a friend to everyone.
I worked at AmVets, I loved Jim’s company. I would always look for and save quarters for him to finish the collection he was finishing for his lovely wife. I’m very sorry to hear of his passing. He once scared me while I was going through security at the airport, I didn’t see it coming! But he sure had it planned! Miss our chats, he was a great guy! My thoughts are with his family 💗
Jim was a great guy always with a smile on his face. I’ll always remember the homemade beer we brewed and the fishing we did. Even after retiring from the ANG it was fun to see him working at the airport and catching up. RIP friend.
RaeAnn, Family and friends: I extend my condolences to you on the loss of Jim. I knew him for many years at the home of the Happy Hooligans. He was a conversationalist and a great friend. Always with a smile and ready to lend a helping hand. My last visit with Jim was at the TSA checkpoint at Hector Field. We spent a lot of time reminiscing that day. When traveling I looked forward to seeing him there. He gave me a recipe for a whiskey drink he favored!. Rest in peace Jimbo! You are missed!
I worked with Jim at the ANG for may year’s. He always was good for a smile. He was willing to help a guy out. RIP JIM my friend.
RIP Jim I always had fun visiting with you, you will be missed
I’m sorry to hear about your loss I wish I could be there to help you through this time my prayers go out to you and your family
Rest in peace Jim.
I miss you already my sweet friend, as you had found a special place in my heart. Our HUNTER SAFETY CLASS we planned shall have to wait for another day. You rest now and be with your LOVING BRIDE. I no you missed her so. One day we will meet again my friend.
RIP Jim. You were a good friend! It was an honor getting to know you over the years at the Federal Building.
Jim was a great guy. Always enjoyed our conversations at Hector airport the last few years I was in the Guard. Gods speed Jim!
JIm. you were a great friend and ally. You served with me on the Board of the Fargo Area Sportsman’s Club, you taught Hunter Education with me for nearly 35 years, We spent many hours planning events together, including selling raffle tickets at Sportsmen’s Boat shows in the Fargo area for the North Dakota Wildlife Federation.
You were the only one to stand up and take charge when it was determined that the Fargo Area needed Hunter Education classes the size of which was never contemplated by the ND Legislature, nor the ND Game & FIsh Dept back ion 1974. You worked with the base Commanders at the Fargo National Guard, the local Jay Cees, the Fargo Area Sportman’s Club and the Casselton Wildlife Club to run the Ing Person Youth Hunter Education Classes held at the Air Guard facilities. You also got all the hot dogs, buns, soda, chips, catsup, napkins, paper plates, trash bags (and Beer for after the class).
It was a long time ago, but I remember that there were many classes for 6 – 8 years that were in excess of 1,000 students, taking classes at the air guard in a single weekend, and I think the largest was nearly 1,500.
When the ND Game & Fish realized at some point that belt buckles for volunteer instructors were in order and the pewter buckles showed how many student that each instructor had graduated. Nearly everyone in the Fargo, Casselton Hunter education instructors were surprised when they received packages in the mail from G & F and it was a box of Belt Buckles. I believe that most of us received buckle for passing the following numbers of graduates. 50, 100, 250, 500, 1000, 2500 & 5000. Most of the other instructors in the State were getting only one or two of these buckles.
There was a need for leadership, and James, you stood up and said, “I will do it!”
I am not sure how long you continued to teach as I moved out of State and lost touch with that volunteer option, but I taught for 39 years and I know you did after I quit. May You Rest In Peace My Friend, and enjoy life in your Happy Hunting Ground.
Prayers and thoughts to the family and friends. He was a good friend.
RIP Defender. Gonna miss our conversation when I would see you at the hospital. Glad I was able to helped you to your vehicle and the long talk that we had. Goodbye Jim!
Miss you Jim
Jim will be greatly missed by his Living Waters family. His smile and always positive attitude are some of the things I looked forward to seeing every week at worship. He was always willing to help in anyway he could and wasn’t afraid of making a funny face in public just to make a little one smile. God’s peace be with you Jim.🙏❤️
Jim you will be GREATLY missed , Your uplifting smile along with your great personality will always be remembered. You will always be known as one of the good guys. We had some good times. RIP Jim !
Jim you will be missed. I will always remember all the great stories.
Rest in Peace Jim. Another ‘ol Hooligan gone. I used to run into Jim a lot at the downtown federal building when he was with TSA and we always had memorable conversations. He will be missed.
Rest in peace old friend! As one of the good guys you will be missed!
RIP Jim. You always made Hector feel like home when I traveled seeing a familiar face and fellow Hooligan.
May Jim’s life and legacy be a splendid, holy and profound blessing to all; especially Jim’s family, friends, and hundreds of ND Game and Fish Department Hunter Education Instructors!!
I waterfowl hunted with Jim in Burleigh and Mercer Counties many times. Jim is a legend in the history and art of hunter safety instruction of thousands of future and existing hunters. I have known Jim since 1992 as I was the 20 year Hunter Education Coordinator for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department. Such valued camaraderie even included attending with Jim the International Hunter Education Association annual meeting for all states and provinces in North America. Jim was gleefully anointed as North Dakota Hunter Education Instructor of the year in the 1993. A finer military veteran, volunteer, friend, and human being is rarely found. I am saddened at Jim’s passing but am forever enriched in knowing and remembering “JAMES ALLEN LEHSE”! God Bless.
Rest in Peace dear friend. Through our time in hunter education you were a good mentor and wonderful friend.
I will miss our chat time at annual meetings. Your family should be ultra proud of your service to this country, state and Fargo area.