James ‘Jim’ Skold

July 16, 1952-Oct. 20, 2024

Leeds

James ‘Jim’ Skold, 72, of Leeds, ND passed away suddenly on October 20, 2024, while doing one of his favorite things, switching between channels to watch his Vikings and other Sunday football. His loss is completely unexpected, and his family is deeply saddened.

Jim was born on July 16, 1952, in Pleasant Lake, ND, to Einar and Victoria (Solga) Skold. He began his childhood growing up on the family farm and visiting his grandfather, Anthony Solga, and was a member of Boy Scouts, in Leeds. Jim graduated from Leeds High School in 1970. While in high school, he played football and was a member of the Science and the Letterman Clubs and participated in FFA.

Jim married Dianna Beck on June 17, 1978, in Knox, ND, and they made their home in Leeds, ND. Their marriage was blessed with two daughters, Meagan and Jessica. As a family, some of their greatest adventures revolved around camping trips with the Beck clan. Many memories were made and laughs shared around Jim’s famous campfires, built out of leftover oak scraps from the Moulding Plant. On one such camping trip, Jim’s massive campfires did not impress the Park Rangers and they threatened to “get the county involved” if he didn’t tone it down.

In his younger years, Jim enjoyed playing softball, bowling, pool tournaments, golfing, fishing and hunting. Who knows the many stories that could be told about the shenanigans that happened while he was hunting with his buddies over the years? Jim was also very dedicated to the Leeds Fire Department, and served as chief from 1983-1987. His commitment earned him the right for lifetime membership in the North Dakota Firemen’s Association, another proud accomplishment.

After high school, Jim began work with Barry Smith doing block and bricklaying, building an addition onto Mercy Hospital. Jim then worked for Norel Lotvedt with Lotvedt Construction in Rugby, until the opportunity arose for him to join his Uncle William “Skinner” Tester, with Tester Mouldings, in Leeds, ND. Through this venture, they provided the door jambs and trim to Minot Lumber for much of the construction in western North Dakota during the oil boom in the late 1980s. Business for the Moulding Plant, and the need for their products, declined as oil prices fell. As a result, Jim returned to Lotvedt construction, this time under the direction of Neil and Jean Lotvedt.

While with Lotvedt Construction, Jim worked on many commercial projects of which he was very proud. These projects included Rugby High School, Heart of America Medical Center, Al Wentz Arena, Western Area Power Station and Heart of America Correctional and Treatment Center in and around Rugby, as well as Twin Oaks Resort on Lake Metigoshe. Jim also had an opportunity to work with other crews on an Extreme Home Makeover project in Minot, ND, which was featured in an episode of the television series.

Jim was a hardworking and selfless man, not often one for flowery words. Even so, his love for his wife, children, and grandchildren was unwavering and protective. He made every effort to attend their events, and could often be found in the crowd, watching with pride as they performed or competed.

Jim will be greatly missed by his loving and devoted wife of 46 years, Dianna; his daughters Meagan (Bob) Holm of Rapid City, SD and Jessica (Justin) Nelsen of Leeds, ND; his grandchildren: Owen, Olivia, Eden and Emmett Holm and Genna, Tess, Julianna and Jaxen Nelsen; his sister Elise (Jim) Harasyn of Maple Grove, MN, and countless brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and cousins.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, at 10:30 a.m., at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, in Leeds, with Father Daniel Musgrave as celebrant and music provided by Tammy Meyer. Serving as gift-bearers are Owen Holm and Genna Nelsen. Interment will be in St. Vincent de Paul Cemetery, with his nephews David Harasyn, Daniel Harasyn, Darrick Johnson, Steven Beck, Jase Beck, Logan Beck, Tyler Golden, Cameron Beck, Caleb Beck, Mitchell Beck and Connor Beck serving as Pallbearers. Honorary Pallbearers include all past and present members of the Leeds Fire Department, Jim’s hunting buddies, as well as his nieces Andrea Harasyn, DeeDra Poitra, DeLana McLean, Fara Nathan, Kristi Miller, Rachel Velasquez, Chelsey Yan, Channa Abramson, Kellie Lamoureux, McKenzie Page and Caitlin Brandt. Visitation will be on Tuesday, October 29 from 5-7 p.m, with a 7 p.m., Rosary and Vigil Service at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church: P.O. Box 307 Leeds, ND 58346, or to the Leeds Ambulance Service: P.O. Box 361 Leeds, ND 58346.

Arrangements are pending with the Nelson Funeral Home of Leeds, ND. Online condolences may be left at www.thenelsonfuneralhome.com.

Published by The Pierce County Tribune, November 2, 2024.