James Fay, age 88, of Twin Valley, MN died on Friday, March 20, 2026, at Sanford Medical Center in Fargo, ND.

James was born on March 12, 1938, in Hibbing, MN, to William and Edith (French) Fay. He later moved with his family to the Minneapolis area, where he was raised and educated. As a young man, James briefly lived the exciting life of a broadcaster in Deadwood, SD, proving early on that he had both the voice and personality to captivate an audience. It was in Minneapolis where he met the love of his life, Rosalie Hamlin. The two were united in marriage on September 23, 1966, beginning a partnership filled with laughter, adventure, and more than a few trips to the dance floor. Together they made their home in Minneapolis before moving to Albany, MN, where James attended St. Cloud State University, earning his degree in sociology.  James went on to build a meaningful career as an employment counselor with Green Thumb, first in Morris, MN, and later in Twin Valley, where he served as a regional manager. Throughout his career, James took great pride in helping older adults find meaningful work and a renewed sense of purpose. He retired in 2003, leaving behind a legacy of service and compassion.

In their younger years, James and Rosalie could often be found roller skating or dancing. James enjoyed singing and karaoke, never passing up an opportunity to grab a microphone if one happened to be nearby. They also loved traveling and sharing adventures with family.  At home, James found happiness in the simple things like mowing the yard, spending time with Rosalie, and enjoying the occasional trip to the casino. In the kitchen, he was famous for making donuts and equally famous for leaving behind a trail of flour and dishes.  James was very health conscious, faithfully exercising and running well into his later years.  He will be especially remembered for his sense of humor, quick wit, and warm smile.  James had a gift for lighthearted conversation and was well known for his "dad jokes," which brought laughter and joy to family and friends alike.  A man of strong faith, James was a devoted Christian who found great joy in attending church and building lifelong friendships. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.

James is survived by his wife, Rosalie of Twin Valley; one son, James of Moorhead; and two daughters, Roxanne (Todd) Rue of Frazee, MN, and Lisa (Darrell) Grundmeier of Hines, MN; three grandchildren: Brandon, Robert, and Shyla Jenson; his brother, Danny Fay; one sister-in-law, Dorothy Lunders; and several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister and brother-in-law, Marcella and Harold Erickson; and a sister-in-law, Joanne Fay.

A memorial service will be held at 2:30pm on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at the Fargo Seventh-day Adventist Church, 5718 36th St S., Fargo, ND.  A time of gathering will take place at the Anderson Family Funeral Home in Twin Valley, MN, on Friday, April 10, from 5:00pm until 7:00pm, with a prayer service beginning at 6:00pm.