James "Jim" Burtness

James Frederick Burtness (age 83), Lakota ND, passed away peacefully with family by his side on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND.

James (Jim) was a North Dakota man, through and through. Born and raised in Fargo, ND to Earl and Olive (Jordheim) Burtness. Jim had a great deal of pride in many things. If you were fortunate enough to spend some time with him, you would have most definitely witnessed his exuberance for his home state, his hometown of Lakota, absolute loyalty to the NDSU Bison and steadfast love of his wife. Jim was a person who made it a point to welcome and chat with friends, neighbors, familiar faces and even those not so familiar. He was a Lakota resident and active member of the Lakota Lutheran Church for over 50 years.

Jim graduated from the former Fargo Central High school and was a good athlete, particularly at baseball and fastpitch softball. A personal highlight includes an experience playing in the ND fastpitch softball championship where both he and his brother played shortstop for opposing teams. If you knew Jim it would not be a surprise that he graduated from NDSU. There he received a degree in Pharmacy and was involved in the ROTC program, which eventually led him to military service at the Irwin Army Hospital in Fort Riley, Kansas. He attained the rank of Captain.

After graduating as a pharmacist in 1965, he started his career in Cando, ND where he met the love of his life, Patricia Carlson. He often recollected the night they ran into each other at the Towner County Fair. He spent $29 attempting to win her a prize and walked away with Patty by his side, beginning a 60-year love story.

Jim and Patricia (Patty) started their marriage in a December 30th snowstorm in 1966. After marrying, they lived in Fort Riley and then eventually moved back to ND. Jim spent time working in Grafton, Larimore and Devils Lake before purchasing the Gutting (Lakota) Drug Store in 1973. In Lakota they owned and operated the store for nearly 40 years before retiring. His pride in the people and city of Lakota was immeasurable.

Jim was a member of the Lakota and Larimore golf clubs for many years and was crowned club champion several times. He was a well-known photographer around town, often volunteering to take photos at many school and church events. He even organized annual photo shoots with Santa Claus during the holiday season. Over the decades, sharing cups of coffee with friends at the evolving Lakota coffee spots was a ritual he always cherished.

Jim was the father of three sons (Steven, Kevin and Michael) and had a fourth, Danny, who sadly passed away after birth. As a father, Jim was always the mentor. Whether it be baseball, golf, football or fishing, you knew he was ready to provide support and instruction at a moment’s notice. The time on the lake and the golf course was something his sons will never forget. Nor will they forget the excitement he would deliver when he brought home packs of baseball cards or opened a pack with an aspiring young collector in the store. Jim’s inner child was real and it was infectious. His sons, nieces, nephews and grandchildren would eagerly join in and latch onto his playfulness.

After his career as a pharmacist, Jim loved his time on the golf course, NDSU football games, at his grandchildren’s events and traveling across the country to visit family. He very much looked forward to the time he and Patty spent with snowbird friends golfing the courses of Florida. And as a volunteer, he helped coach the Lakota HS golf team for several years. Always sharing his knowledge.

Jim is survived by three sons: Steven (Stacie), Kevin (Stephanie) and Michael (Mandy Nelson); four grandchildren: Gina, Carson, Jamie and Sullivan; and his brother, John “Bill” Burtness.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Patty, his son, Danny; sisters: Mary Jane (infant) and Barbara Burtness; parents: Earl and Olive Burtness; grandparents: Peter and Bentine Burtness, Emory and Emma Jordheim.

Funeral service will be on Monday, October 13, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. with visitation beginning at 12:00 p.m. at Lakota Lutheran Church, Lakota, ND.

Burial will be at the Lakota Cemetery, Lakota, ND.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Lakota Rock Creek Golf Course or Lakota Ambulance Service.