Watch Jim's Funeral Service

James "Jim" Orin Dahl, a lifelong resident of Bejou, MN, went home to Jesus on December 30, 2018 after a long and hard-fought battle with cancer. He died at home on the farm he loved so much, surrounded by those that loved him most, and under the care of his family and the Hospice of the Red River Valley.
Jim is survived by his loving wife and his angel on earth, Lynne (nee Ostby); his beloved children, James "Ted" Dahl (Tami) of Fargo, ND, John Dahl (Judy) Of Perham, MN, Bridget Sather (Nathan) of Gary, MN, and Brooke Hazelton (Scottie) of Laramie, WY; his adoring grandchildren: Olivia, Aidan and Andrew Dahl; Melissa Lepper (Matt), Ryan and Anthony Dahl; Dylan, Jonah, Steffen, and Lauren Sather; Ava, Sophie, Bode, and Crew Hazelton; Taylor and Sophie Kopperud; his treasured great-grandchildren, Rex, Mikko and Bear Lepper; two dear uncles, Marvin Morvig (Vonnie) of Sartell, MN and Helmer Morvig of Minneapolis, MN; and his loyal dogs, Pepper and Shadow; as well as several siblings, nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Lorraine Sweep, and one infant brother; several aunts and uncles; and his two cherished dogs, Balkie and Nixon.
Jim was born on December 3, 1944 to Obert and Ovidia (nee Morvig) Dahl. He attended school in Bejou through the 8th grade, at which time he gave up his education to help the family farm survive, a selfless act and one in which he never harbored ill feelings. He knew it was his duty as the oldest son in a family of many to sacrifice for the good of all. It was an unwavering way of life for him. In his later teen years and during the Vietnam War, Jim and his childhood best friend, Tubs McCollum, opted to join the National Guard together in hopes of serving together. It was during that boot camp that he wrote his parents and asked them to make sure his brother, Orlan, unlike him, remained in school to hopefully keep safe and far from war. It was that protective nature for his siblings that Jim carried long into his – and their – adulthood.
Jim's life changed for the better one cold February evening when he met a raven-haired city girl and experienced what could only be described as love-at-first-sight. He made that girl, Lynne Ostby, his wife just a short 6 weeks later. A year after their serendipitous meeting, the two began their family in 1970 with the birth of their first two sons and one daughter in three consecutive years. Almost six years later, they added a baby daughter to their tribe.
Jim was a man of few words, with a heart that overflowed with service, duty, loyalty and love. He was a proud Norwegian, and a prouder farmer. His hands bore the proof of his hardworking years and his blue eyes shone with the satisfaction of a life well lived, but nothing made his baby blues twinkle as much as his grandchildren. He was the kind of papa who was so loved by every single one of them, a papa who managed to find a niche with all ages. The younger grandkids loved his make-believe phone calls to his former dog, Balkie, and Ranger rides around the farm; and the older kids connected with him through crab leg dinners, casino nights, and auction sales. In each other, they found a real, true best friendship that many never experience. Jim's departure from this earth leaves an enormous void in the hearts of his family. He will be missed from now until forever.
Jim's family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to those who took the time to show Jim the love he deserved during his last few days on this earth. From a few special brothers, nieces, and nephews to family friends, your kindness and compassion not only warmed our hearts, but also comforted our husband, father, and papa during a time in which he needed it the most. We love you for that.