James "Jim" Grandalen

James “Jim” A. Grandalen, 72, of Portland, ND, passed away on Wednesday, August 27, 2014 at the Sanford Hospital in Mayville, ND. He was born July 7, 1942 at home west of Portland, ND to Gilmar and Gina (Basol) Grandalen. He attended country school in Enger Township in rural Portland through eighth grade. He graduated from Portland High School in 1960. He served with the Marines from 1964 to 1967 with a tour of duty in Vietnam. He married Faye Vannoy on December 22, 1972, and together they had 2 daughters. Jim drove truck in western North Dakota and Montana for twenty one years before his love for farming brought him back to Portland in 1985. Jim enjoyed hunting, fishing, and had a great love of the outdoors. Always by his side was the love of his life, Faye. He treasured his time with his daughters, grand-daughters and had a special relationship with his son-in-law. Jim had an infectious smile and great sense of humor. He was a true gentleman and conversationalist. He was very meticulous and took pride in his work. Jim was a member of Ebenezer Lutheran Church where he served as a trustee. Jim is survived by his wife of 41 years, Faye Grandalen and by his two daughters, Tammy (Josh) Ensign of Buxton, ND and Deanna Grandalen of Cavalier, ND; three grandchildren, Kaitlin, Lora, and Megan Ensign; brother, Ronald (Linda) Grandalen of Cooperstown, ND and sister, Connie Jerome of McClusky, ND and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gilmar and Gina (Basol) Grandalen and nephew, Dean Grandalen. Visitation: Will be 6 – 7 PM with a 7:00 PM Public Prayer Service on Sunday, August 31, 2014 at the Baker Funeral Home Chapel and will resume one hour prior to the service at the church. Funeral Service: 2:00 PM Monday, September 1, 2014 at Ebenezer Lutheran Church in Mayville, ND. Burial: Will be at the Aurdal Cemetery, Portland, ND.