James D. Ihry

James Douglas Ihry, age 82, of Pelican Rapids, Minnesota, passed away on May 11, 2024. He was born in Hope, North Dakota, on March 7, 1942, to parents Harriet and James Ihry. He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and cherished memories.

James grew up on a farm just outside of town with his siblings David, Donald, Kathryn, Phyllis, and Jeff. After graduating from Hope High School in 1960, he worked alongside his father on their family farm and at the local elevator. His path was briefly redirected when he served his country with distinction in the US Army for two years from 1966-1968 in Germany.  James then attended NDSSS in Wahpeton, ND. In 1970, he began his long career at Northwestern Bell, dedicating many years as a lineman for the company until his retirement.

James married Betty Jacobsen at St Agatha’s Church in Hope, ND on June 5^th, 1965, and they were blessed with a son, Jay Matthew, on Oct 23, 1972. The family lived in Fargo, ND, enjoying their summers at their Pelican Lake property, which became their permanent home in 2001 after the completion of their lake home.  Tragically, they lost Jay Matthew in 1996, a profound loss that saw James and Betty embrace their nieces and nephews as their own.  Betty passed away in 2011, leaving James to cherish the memories of their time together.  

James was known for his meticulous nature, love of pheasant hunting and fishing, and his generous hospitality. He and Betty enjoyed hosting family gatherings and dinner parties with friends at the lake.  Their home was a hub of activity where boat rides, trips to the sandbar, s’mores by the fire, card games, and hammock naps were abundant, creating lasting memories for all who visited.  His warmth, laughter, and kind spirit will be sorely missed but forever remembered by those who had the pleasure of knowing him.  His nieces and nephews fondly referred to him as Uncle Jimmy (the favorite uncle).  

James is survived by his sister Phyllis (Joe) Papin, Wickenburg, AZ, his brother Jeff Ihry, Hope, ND, sisters-in-law Jane Ihry, Mayville, ND, Toni Ihry, Kent, WA, Renee (Jack) Dale, Colorado Spring, CO, and Debra Kroeplin, Hope, ND, brother-in-law and best buddy Leroy Jacobsen, Hope, ND, and a large extended family of nieces, nephews, special friends Becky and Steve Sorenson, and many dear friends.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty, and their son, Jay Matthew, siblings Don, Dave, & Kathryn and his parents.

A funeral service will be held at Zion Lutheran Church in Pelican Rapids, MN, on May 22, 2024, at 11:00 AM, with a luncheon to follow immediately. Later that day, a burial will take place at 4:00 PM in Hope, ND.

James's warmth, laughter, and kind spirit will be sorely missed but forever remembered by those who had the pleasure of knowing him.  His legacy at Pelican Lake and beyond will continue to resonate with all who were part of his life.