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Service
Due to the current circumstances with Covid 19, a private family service will be held on Saturday, November 7, 2020 at Bethany Lutheran Church, Minot and a celebration of life and burial will be held at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery at a later date.

James "Jim" David Abel
July 2, 1943 - November 4, 2020

Place of Birth: Minot, North Dakota
Residence: Velva, North Dakota
Age: 77

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James David “Jim” Abel, 77 of Trinity Nursing Home, formerly of Velva, ND passed away November 4, 2020 at Trinity Hospital, Minot, ND.

James was born July 2, 1943 in Minot, ND to Tony and Eva (Voller) Abel. He was raised on the family farm near Karlsruhe, ND and was the 7th of 12 children. He graduated from Karlsruhe High School in 1961. After high school he attended Wahpeton State College and graduated with a degree as an Auto Body Technician in 1963. He started working at Westlie Motors after college where he worked for fifteen years. He then worked at Power Fuels for six years before he started his own business, Jim’s Auto Body & Glass Repair in Velva, ND in which he owned and operated for twenty-four years. He also worked as a custodian at Velva High School for thirteen years where he enjoyed visiting with the students on a daily basis. He was in the North Dakota National Guard from 1967 to 1970.

On June 24, 1966, James was united in marriage to Bonnie Peterson in Minot, ND. They made their home in Minot, ND, where they were blessed with two boys David and Michael. They later divorced. On July 6, 1979, James was united in marriage to Bonnie Johnson in Almont, ND. They made their home in Minot, ND, where he was blessed with two more children Brian and Malinda. They later moved to Velva, ND where he continued to live until he entered Trinity Nursing Home.

James loved the challenge of finding and purchasing old cars and trucks to work on, watching old western movies, telling a good joke, playing pinochle, spending time with his grandchildren, watching their school and sporting events along with having a cup of coffee or two or three while visiting with friends.

He was a member of the Eagles and American Legion.

His loving family includes his four children: David (Susan) Abel, Minot, ND; Michael (Jana) Abel, Bismarck, ND; Brian (Stephanie) Abel, Hattisburg, MS; Malinda Williams, Minot, ND. Siblings: Daniel (Margie) Abel, Cedar Park, TX; Rose Baker, Sun City West, AZ; Jo Hillstrom, Roseville, MN; Mary Shinn, Fort Collins, CO; Chuck (Nancy) Abel, Bismarck, ND, John (Jeanette) Abel, Fort Collins, CO and Claudette (Don) Parman, Lorton, VA. Eleven grandchildren: Noah, Allison, Cameron, Mariah, Sahara, Bryant, Brekken, Sayley, Ayanna, Jaliyah and Ashka along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.

James was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Bonnie Abel; second wife, Bonnie Johnson, infant son John; brothers: Gerald and Richard Abel, sisters: Loraine Abel and Elizabeth Rumrey, granddaughter’s Samantha Abel and Ariyah Brown.

Memorial Contribution

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Velva American Legion.

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Tracy DuRose (Albertville, Minnesota)
Nov 5, 2020

So many memories of hot summers and ice cold winters spent with Uncle Jim and his family. All the Abel's getting together for BBQ's and Christmas. One that sticks out most is Brian and I were getting into trouble and Brian whispers to me tell him you did it cause he won't yell at you. I think we were around 10. Uncle Jim you will be missed by all who knew you. Rest easy now.

Greg Abel (Minneapolis , MN)
Nov 5, 2020

My deepest condolences for the Jim Abel family. The news of hospitalization has been on my mind for days and then the news of yesterday, silenced. So many found, fun memories. Loved the large family gatherings at the farm and our reunions, cards, eating, running around the farm, and always taking a tour of Jim’s cars behind the farm buildings. Jim is my Godfather. There is one thing Jim told me while we were standing in my moms driveway on around May 3, 1996. And what he told me has since become my mantra, and that is “if man built it, man can fix it”. I use it every time I take on a project I know nothing about. And you know, it provides me the motivation to tackle that project I ever done before and get it accomplished. Thank you Jim.

Claudette Parman (Lorton, VA)
Nov 7, 2020

Jim was a good man; he was generous and always willing to help anyone. He always had a smile and a joke. His best attribute was his love of family, his family, his parents, his brothers and sisters and their families. I have so many happy memories of Thanksgivings and Christmas in Velva. Everyone was always welcome and there was always a pinochle game waiting. Jim, your good nature and smile will be missed. Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord, and let the Perpetual Light shine upon him. May Jim rest in peace.

Jeanne Rodgers (Velva)
Jun 14, 2021

Jim was kind and hardworking. I have followed his wishes and donated to the Velva American Legion.

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