James "Jim" Pomeroy

James “Jim” Pomeroy, age 79 of Fargo, died Friday, April 8th at Villa Maria under Hospice care.

Jim was born to Anna (Hampson) and John “Bob” Pomeroy on December 16th, during the rugged winter of 1936. He was educated in the Fargo Public Schools, and graduated from Fargo Central High School. During these years, he was active in a male quartet known as “The Uncalled Four”. He attended and graduated from NDSU (then the Agricultural College), and remained a steadfast “Bison” fan throughout his life.

Jim (along with the three other quartet members) prepared for the Methodist Ministry at Drew Theological Seminary in New Jersey. Jim was ordained an elder in the United Methodist Church in 1961, and went on to serve in local churches and administrative positions throughout the Dakotas Conference. In the 1970s, he led training events for church leaders throughout the region, and was also greatly involved in United Methodist camping throughout his career.

“Pastor Jim” will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his daily visits to hospitalized and infirm congregants, his wonderful listening skills, and his deep integrity and devotion to his faith. Throughout his career, he maintained his musical talents with the church choir and local singing groups, and demonstrated in all ways a pastor’s heart. Jim retired from the ministry in 2002 after forty-three years of service.

In 1971, Jim married Mavis “May” Merkel from Ellendale. Four years later, they welcomed their daughter, Kristen. For the next 20 years, Jim and his family cherished time at their cabin on Spiritwood Lake, near Jamestown, ND. It was a unique A-frame that Jim built from the ground up, and was always a source of accomplishment for him, and a refuge from the stressors of life.

After officially retiring, Jim continued his commitment to service and was elected to the ND State Senate in 2006. He served one 4-year term, and was a strong advocate for education, and worker’s and women’s rights. Throughout his life, Jim served as a living example of God’s grace, patience, and acceptance, which continued until he gently left his earthly world.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Anna and Bob. He is survived by his wife, May; his daughter, Kristen (Monte) Fischer and grandchildren, Brody and Kenleigh, all of Fargo; his sister, Mary Ann Hagen of Seattle, WA; and many beloved cousins and friends.

A memorial service and celebration of Jim’s life will be held Thursday, April 14, 1:30pm, at First United Methodist Church, Fargo. Visitation will be 5-7pm with a prayer and share service at 7pm on Wednesday, April 13th at Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home.

Memorials may be directed to The Pomeroy Camping Endowment (at Dakotas UM Foundation, Box 460, Mitchell, SD 57301-0460), or to a charity of your choice.