James Gackle

James Harold Gackle, 86, Jamestown, North Dakota, died Friday, January 21, 2011 at the Veterans Hospital in Fargo, ND.

James was born August 28, 1924, in Fredonia, ND, the son of Daniel and Ida (Heller) Gackle. He attended school (grades 1-8) in Fredonia. His family moved to Dickey, ND in 1943. James was drafted into the US Army in April 1945. He went to Okinawa in late 1945 and served there until his discharge in November of 1946. James attended the ND State School of Science in Wahpeton (1949-50) and the Nettleton Accounting College in Sioux Falls, SD (1954). He married Margaret Kreutsberg in 1957. James farmed and did bookkeeping/accounting work for much of his adult life. He had a private pilot's license and enjoyed flying small planes, in addition to being an avid ham radio operator.

James was an active member of the First Assembly of God Church, Jamestown, for almost 40 years. He was a Sunday school teacher for many years and was recognized as the ND Sunday School Teacher of the Year several years ago.

James is survived by three children: Andrew (Shirley) Gackle, Benton Harbor, MI, Diane (Kevin) Mooney, Fernandina Beach, FL and Daniel (Mary Kaye) Gackle, Jamestown, ND; three grandchildren: Carolyn and Kate Mooney and Tia (Austin) Stocking; and two brothers, Lloyd Gackle, Dickey, ND and Ray (LouAnn) Gackle, Frederic, WI.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Margaret; parents; one sister, Mildred and one brother, Russell.