James Theodore Fergestad passed away September 28, 2019 at the age of 70 at his home of 15 years in Mohave Valley, Arizona after a battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota, graduated from Washburn High School, attended the University of Minnesota and was a member of the Minnesota Army National Guard.
Jim was married to his high school sweetheart Jackie and they recently celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary. He is survived by his wife and two children, Christina (Bill) Kellogg of Lodi, WI and Tim (Jennifer) Fergestad of Phoenix AZ and five grandchildren, Camryn, Jordyn and Zander Kellogg and Finn and Sofia Fergestad, also brother Gary (Marilyn) Fergestad and sister Lynn (Terry) Schmidt, and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents Herb & Verona Fergestad and his sister Karen (Frank) Woolf.
Jim began his work career as a teen in neighborhood gas stations where he made lifelong friends. In 1968 he began a 30 year career working at the Ford Motor Co. St. Paul Assembly Plant, his most rewarding years in electrical repair. He also ran his own cleaning business and after retiring from Ford he enjoyed learning new skills by working at a local turkey farm. His farmer friend Charlie remarked, “Work comes easy for you”. That was true of his entire life, Jim was a “doer”, always busy working, helping, playing – living.
Jim and his family have lived in Valley Park, Apple Valley and Cannon Falls, Minnesota and Pardeeville, Wisconsin before moving to Arizona. He had been a life-long athlete and excelled in his favorite sports of bowling and golf.
He loved his family and friends deeply, and his greatest joy in life was spending time with his grandkids. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.  
A celebration of life will be held on Friday, October 4, 2019 from 3-6 pm at his home: 2442 E Brittlebush Drive, Mohave Valley. Please share this message with others who may have known him.