James "Jim" Balster

Today August 19, 2019 this world lost a kind, gentle and funny man due to a long battle with Parkinson’s and dementia.

Jim Balster was born January 3, 1939, in Jamestown, the son of Frank and Cecelia (Bronk) Balster. He was raised on the family farm and graduated from St. John’s Academy in 1957. In 1957, he started his career as a mason. His first job was helping build Roosevelt School. His career led him to Concrete, Inc. of Grand Forks, where he worked precast for over 35 years. Every town we drove through, Jim had put up some building.

In 1984, he met Kristi and they married in 1992. They were able to enjoy 35 years together.

After retiring in 2006, Jim enjoyed feeding the squirrels and birds, going to casinos and he loved his Budweiser. He liked it when the kids and grandkids came to visit.

He was a lifetime member of St. James Basilica and the Knights of Columbus. Jim was a 50 year member of International Union of Bricklayers (Local 1).

Jim is survived by his wife, Kristi and his stepdaughters and their families Staci (Landon) Nitschke and their children Logan and Lawson; Amy Larson and her children Alex and Nickolas; his sons, Kordell (Karla) Balster, Kevin (Stacey) Balster and Kurt Balster and their families. His sister Mary Ann (Daniel) Joyce and their children Jeffrey, Jerome (Kristie) Joyce, Jane (Wayne) Peterson and Kathryn Sorensen. His twin brother John’s daughters Stephanie (Jonathan) Zeien and Tamara Balster and their families; his mother-in-law JoAnn Spravzoff and sister-in-law Becky Devlin; also surviving are many good and dear friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Cecelia Balster, his twin brother John and his wife Sheryl Balster, nephews Daniel and Thomas Joyce and his father-in-law Calvin (Kelly) Spravzoff.

REST IN PEACE MY LOVE.

Per Jim’s request there will be no luncheon. As Jim would say, “Head to your favorite watering hole and raise a glass in celebration of my life.” CHEERS!

Visitation will be 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm, Friday, August 23, 2019 at Williams Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM, Saturday, August 24 at Williams Funeral Home. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.

Arrangements by Williams Funeral Home.

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