James "Jim" Bjelde

James “Jim” Arden Bjelde, husband, father, and friend passed away peacefully on February 20, 2021 at the age of 82.

Jim was born in Williston, North Dakota on November 28, 1938 to Abraham Clemens Bjelde and Edith Bjelde (nee Nielsen). He attended Kindred High School and graduated from Fargo High School in 1956. At Kindred High School, he played on the football, basketball, and baseball teams.

In 1960, he met his best friend, Loretta Elizabeth Ibach, and they were married in 1963. They quickly moved to Houston, TX to take advantage of career opportunities and the warmer weather. They enjoyed 57 years of adventure together and raised two daughters. Jim enjoyed hunting, fishing, wood working, and restoring vintage cars. Jim and Loretta traveled the world together and enjoyed trips to Germany, Israel, England, Scotland, Hong Kong, Mexico, and Australia as well as exploring the beautiful landscapes within the United States.

Jim began his career in 1957 working for Western Electric in North Dakota and transferred to Houston in 1963. He retired from AT&T / Lucent in 1996. He served as an Airman in the Air Force Reserves from 1960 to 1966.

Jim is survived by his wife, Loretta, and daughters, Rachelle McLure and Julie Jolk, his brother, Jerry Bjelde, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Jim’s Life will be held at Cypress-Fairbanks Funeral Home in Houston. Because of concerns about COVID, the family asks that those who wish to join the service follow the link that will be provided.

If you'd like to make a donation in Jim's name, please consider the Chest Foundation at https://foundation.chestnet.org/donate/ and make your gift in memory of James Bjelde.

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