The memorial service for James E. Ham, Edgeley, ND, will be held Tuesday, August 29, 2017, at 2:00 pm at the Catholic Church of the Transfiguration, Edgeley, ND. Rosary Service will be at Monday at 7:00 pm at the Catholic Church of the Transfiguration, Edgeley, ND.

James E. Ham, son of Arch and Mary (Thurston) Ham was born June 18, 1931 in Edgeley, ND. He attended country school in LaMoure County for eight years and graduated in 1949 from Edgeley High School. After graduation, Jim joined the Coast Guard in 1950, he served there 3 years, receiving an honorable discharge, then attending Ellendale Normal College, graduating in 1958 with his BS Degree in Secondary Education. On December 27, 1959, Jim married Della Brauer, in Edgeley, ND. He went on to receive his Masters Degree from Aberdeen State College in 1968. Jim spent 29 years in education, teaching social studies, industrial arts and drivers education in Jud and Kulm, ND. Jim was a Superintendent in Jud, Monango, Fullerton, Forbes, and Marion. He also owned Duffy's Tavern in Edgeley for 9 years and was engaged in farming for several years. Jim enjoyed yard sales, auction sales, and his car collection. He was very proud of his Military Service, serving with the Coast Guard for 3 years and with the North Dakota National Guard for 27 years.

Jim died August 23, 2017 at CHI Oakes Community Hospital, Oakes, ND. He was 86 years old.

Jim is survived by his wife; Della, Edgeley, ND; one daughter, Lisa (Virgil) Allen, Ingram, TX; three sons, Kirk (Vicki) Ham, Park River, ND; David Ham, Charlottesville, VA; Brian (Laura) Ham, Dickinson, ND; seven grandchildren, Nathan, Chris, Jacob, Josh, Kaden, Jordan, and Addison; four great-grandchildren, Noah, Luke, Cayson, and Adalee; two brothers, Phil Ham and Lee (Marlene) Ham; one sister, Betty Lee; three sisters-in-law, Marlene Ham, Carol Ham, Debbie (James) Wald; and one brother-in-law, Darwin (Betty) Brauer. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Jerry, Thurston, and Bob; brother-in-law, David Lee, and sister-in-law, Yvonne Ham.  In lieu of flowers, memorials can be given to CHI Oakes Community Hospital.