James “Jim” Krick, 83, of Grand Forks, ND passed away on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at Valley Senior Living on Columbia in Grand Forks, where he had resided since May of 2024.
Born March of 1941, in Rolla, ND, to James and Esther (Gores) Krick, James grew up on the family farm near Mylo, ND. He graduated from Bisbee High School and went on to graduate from the University of North Dakota, with a degree in Social Work.
James married Deanna Bucholz in 1963, and they had three children, Laurie (married to Joseph Gibbens of Tacoma, Washington), Robert (married to Deborah Vincent of Pasadena, MD) and Scott of Grand Forks.
James was talented in many areas. As a teen, he exercised his neighbors’ harness horses before raising, training and racing his own thoroughbreds at county fair horse races throughout North Dakota, and South Dakota. He had a pilot’s license and soloed at age 16. He was a champion trap shooter. He was an avid self-taught painter and wood carver. At family and social gatherings, he was a gifted storyteller.
James worked in retail before attending college. While attending UND, he began working at Armour Foods in Grand Forks. After completing his degree, James practiced social work in Glendive, MT for a county agency. He specialized in programs for the aging and thoroughly enjoyed working with the elderly pioneer ranchers and cowboys in the area. James ultimately returned to Armour Foods in Grand Forks and then worked at Grand Forks Truss until he retired after Armour Foods closed.
Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Deanna; his sister, Sara Sue Vandal; his children, Laurie, Robert and Scott; his grandchildren, Jack and Maggi Krick; MacKinley Gibbens (married to Mattia Panaccione) and Sarah Gibbens; and several nieces and nephews.
James was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Thomas, brother-in-law, James Vandal, and his great aunt, Sarah Krick, who helped raise him and his siblings during his mother’s illness and death when he was 16.
In lieu of a funeral, a private family celebration for immediate family was held.
The online memorial registry may be signed at www.normanfuneral.com
(The Historic Norman Funeral Home, Grand Forks, ND)