James M. Heskin

James M. Heskin, 74 of Portland died peacefully from complications due to Pick’s Disease, Thursday, Feb. 1, 2007 at Luther Memorial Home in Mayville surrounded by his family. James was born July 5, 1932. His parents were Henry and Sigrid (Halvorson) Heskin. He graduated from Portland High School in 1950. He served in the U.S. Army from Aug. 1952 – 1954. On Sept. 11, 1954 he was united in marriage to Dorothy Holkesvig in Aurdal Lutheran Church in Portland. Following the family tradition, he was a farmer. He purchased his own farm in 1966. He was an active lifelong member of Bruflat Lutheran Church, a member of Anderson – Hefta Post 93 Legion, past master and former member of the Goose River Lodge #19. Through the years he served on the Portland Fire Dept., the board of First and Farmers Bank, and Traill County Rural Water Users board. James (Jim) was known for his easy smile, hearty laugh and happy disposition. His favorites included his Grandson Chad, dog Sunni, hunting buddies Pete, Ken and Cartor, sharing bear hugs with granddaughters Erin, Julia, and Lauren, his pick-up, coffee at the “round table”, the “green sheet”, and barbequing steak and potatoes, His carpentry skills were appreciated by his four children as he happily filled their requests for custom made furnishings. After retiring from farming, he enjoyed going “on the road” selling shop supplies to farmers far and wide, making friends along the way. His devotion to Dorothy, his wife of 52 years, was rewarded by her loving care of him as dementia took him away from us. James is survived by his wife, Dorothy of Portland, three daughters, Sherry (Cartor) Carlson, Aberdeen SD, Sheila (Marcia Carlson) Heskin, Minneapolis, MN, Kathryn (Rj) Heskin, Minneapolis, MN, one son Mark, New York, NY, one sister, Faith Hewett, Garner, NC, four grandchildren, Erin (Taylor) Vroman, Chad Carlson, Lauren Heskin and Julia Heskin. Preceding him in death were his parents and brother in law George Hewett. MEMORIAL SERVICE: Monday, February 5, 2007 at 11:00 AM at Bruflat Lutheran Church, Portland, ND. VISITATION: Monday, February 5, 2007 from 10 a.m. till service time at the church. BURIAL: Aurdal Cemetery, Portland, ND.