Deacon James Perius

Rosary and Prayer service can be viewed at 6:45 PM and 7:00 PM Thursday, September 15, 2022 below.

Deacon James John Perius, 95, Fargo formally of Wales, ND joined our Lord and his beloved Joanie in Heaven on Monday, August 29th, 2022. His prayers were answered and blessed with a holy, happy, peaceful death.

James Perius was the sixth of nine children born on a farm near Wales, ND to Ignatius and Mae (Thielen) Perius on April 24, 1927. He attended grades 1-7 at Minto Township school and high school in Wales, ND where he graduated in 1945. James enlisted in the United States Army in March of 1945 and served our great country in WWII. After two years of service he was honorably discharged and pursued a degree in Business Administration at St Thomas College thru 1949.

James went on to work for Minnesota Mining (now 3M) until the spring of 1950 when his father requested him to return home and operate the family farm to prepare for his retirement. James started the Summit Ranch when he began to supplement his farming with cattle ranching. During the winter months of his early farming career, James traveled the country and often settled in California and worked for McDonald Douglas, Boeing, Northrup Aircraft and Southern Edison at a variety of jobs all while making time to indulge in a few horse races at his favorite track thru 1956.

He happily married the love of his life, Joan Marie Platz on August 6, 1960. James and Joan proudly raised four wonderful children on the Summit Ranch north of Wales, ND where they continued the family tradition of farming from 1960 until his retirement in 1993 when they moved to Fargo, ND.

He partnered with his wife completing the diaconate formation in 1988 and continued his diaconate mission until his retirement in 2013. James was very active in a variety of activities at St Michaels, St Alphonsus, Blessed Sacrament and Holy Spirit Catholic Churches including the Prolife movement and the acclaimed potato pancake breakfast fundraisers. He was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus serving as a 4th Degree Knight. James continued to live his life as a devout Catholic and served his faith by serving communion to the shut ins along with the many visits to hospitals and nursing homes to pray with parishioners.

James knew how to have a great time in everything he did. He had a passion for cars and pickups, he faithfully cheered on his Green Bay Packers and NDSU Bison, he led the rosary on many road trips, and he shared many incredible stories as often as possible with his family and friends. His laugh was contagious, and his smile lit up the room.

James is survived by four children: Mark (Julie) Perius, Nokomis, FL, Michael (Michelle) Perius, West Fargo, ND, Nicholas (Sheila) Perius, Twin Falls, ID, Maria (Stuart) Clute, West Fargo, ND. Ten grandchildren: Dawn Berry, Andrew Berry, Macey Perius, Khauner Perius, Joshua Beaton, Chelsey (Jeff) Turnbull, Nicholas Jr Perius, Alex Clute, Adam Clute, Mariah Clute. Two great-grandchildren: Ozzie and Oaklynn Turnbull. Siblings: Patty (Rob) Robbins, Ontario, OR and Marilyn Varney, Centerville, OH as well as several treasured nieces, nephews, and Godchildren.

James was preceded in death by his wife, Joan, parents and siblings, Viola and Al Meyerdirk, Geneva and Paul DeBord, Allen and Ruth Perius, Joseph Perius, Marie and Tom Flynn, Glen Perius, Ken Varney along with many special friends and family members.

James will be remembered as a devoted Husband and Dad, Brother, Uncle, Loyal Friend, Godfather and of course a very proud Papa who was loved by all and a role model to many. A member of the “Greatest Generation” he truly was in so many ways. We will miss his unforgettable, calming and distinguished voice when he shared his stories and prayers, however we know he is sitting next to our Lord and Savior watching over us. Rest now our faithful servant.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests to please consider donations to the Catholic Diocese of Fargo, The Perry Center, or Ethos Hospice.