James Duane Halstensgard, 20, died on Thursday, February 24, 2011, at his parent's home in Fertile, MN.
James was born on October 27, 1990, to Luther and Marilyn (Payment) Halstensgard in Grand Forks, ND. He grew up in Mentor, where he was baptized on July 4, 1992, at Polk County Roadside Park. He went to elementary school in Mentor until 3rd grade, when he began attending Fertile-Beltrami Public School. He met Kyle Jadeke on the bus and became lifelong friends. In elementary school, James was a member of Cub Scouts. While in 6th grade, James began Tae Kwon Do lessons, working his way through the belts and earning black belt as a junior in high school. He sang in the choir his senior year, and participated in drama while in high school, as well as being a web designer. He also worked for a time at Al & Laura's Grocery. James graduated from Fertile-Beltrami High in 2009. After graduation he attended UND until health complications brought him back to Fertile.
Over the past couple of years, James has dealt with several medical concerns. As a typical teenager, James loved video games, television, and movies. Connecting with friends on the internet and email was a constant pass time. Two youngsters, which made his smile shine bright, were his nephew Milo James Korpi and Vincent James Lansrud, Kyle's nephew. Their names may have had something to do with the smile.
As a teen, James got involved with Beltrami Youth Group. As his understanding of spiritual ideas developed so did his ability to decide what was right for him. James spoke his mind, thought about deep things, and took relationships seriously. By growing a relationship with Jesus, James developed the ability to deal with his cancer and the uncertainty of life. As his physical condition declined, his spiritual maturity deepened his dependence on God's strengthen. In the last year, James yearned to tell others of his deep love and certainty of faith he experienced.
James is survived by his parents: Luther and Marilyn, Fertile, MN; three sisters: Amanda Korpi, Duluth, MN; Chistine Halstensgard, Fertile, MN; and Elizabeth Halstensgard, Fertile; Brother -in Law Taavi Korpi, Duluth, MN: nephews and nieces: Milo and Maija Korpi, and Aiden Pope and Amelia Halstensgard. grandparents: James Payment, Mentor, MN, Duane and Estelle Halstensgard, Fertile, MN; several uncles, aunts, and cousins. He was preceded in death by grandmother Bertha (Berdie) Payment, 1991, and an aunt, Kathy Cherf.

Funeral services will be on Wednesday, March 2, 2011, at 11 am in the Concordia Lutheran Church, Fertile, MN.
Visitation will be on Tuesday, March 1, 2011, from 5-8 PM with a prayer service at 8 PM in the Concordia Lutheran Church, Fertile, MN.
Burial will be in the Concordia Lutheran Cemetery, Fertile, MN