James Ray Gildersleeve

About Jim

James Ray Gildersleeve (Jim), 85, of Bemidji MN passed away on Tuesday, February 14, 2023.

Jim was born on March 7, 1937, in Hartington NE to Ted R. and Agnes (Giddings) Gildersleeve. After graduating from Hartington High School in 1955, he served in U.S. Army as a medic on a helicopter rescue unit based in Germany until June 1957.

Jim married Marjorie Hubert May 29, 1960, living in Nebraska while working for Western Electric and actively farming. In March 1970, they moved to northern MN, purchasing a dairy farm.

Over the years he was employed by Nu-Ply, University of MN, Medi-Van and was a certified nurse assistant from 1996 until retirement in 2013 when he increased his time as a volunteer.

Jim was an active member of St. Mark Lutheran Church of Bemidji. He was a devoted husband, dad, grandpa, and foster dad, who had a big heart and put a smile on everyone’s face. He looked forward to visits from his grandkids and instilled in them the love for farm life, fishing, hunting, and helping others. He told entertaining stories and sometimes with a hint of exaggeration. Even his last months of his life he continued to tell stories.

He was a member of DAV and gave selflessly to his community with his time and talents, volunteering for Jesus Cares, hospice, Beaver Pride, and many other organizations. He was best known for his true spirit of Christmas by sharing his love and joy of life playing the “Real Santa Claus” and telling all that the greatest gift was his Savior, Jesus Christ.

Jim is survived by his wife, Marjorie of almost 63 years; three daughters, Renee (James) Axtman of Grand Forks MN, Pamela (Michael) Francisco of Effie MN and Debra Goodman of St. Louis Park MN; 8 grandchildren: Braden, Derek, and Tyler (Maddie) Axtman, Keegan and Phelan Porter, McKayla Francisco, Emily (Calvin) Kurtz, and Kayla Torgerson (fiance’ Derek) and 6 great grandchildren.

Also survived by sisters, Denise (Butch) McFarland of Bloomfield NE and Vicki (Dave) Golda of Gretna NE, brother-in-law, Ray Hegert of Lincoln NE, sister-in-law, Sharon Gildersleeve of Hartington NE, and many other family members and friends, including 28 foster children.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Ted and Agnes Gildersleeve, sister, Marilyn Hegert, brother, Dan Gildersleeve and son-in-law, Dan Goodman.

memorial service

Memorial Services for Jim

March 4, 2023

St Mark's Evangelical Lutheran Church and School 2220 Anne St NW, Bemidji, MN 56601, USA

Pastor Benjamin Zamzow will be officiating. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. Friday, March 3 at the church and one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at the St. Mark Lutheran Cemetery at a later date.

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Cease Family Funeral Home