James Kenneth Harty

James K. Harty, 84 died Friday, February 5, 2016 at Ave Maria Village, Jamestown, ND.
James Kenneth Harty was born March 3, 1931 at Trinity Hospital in Jamestown, ND, the son of John J. and Irma (Peggy) Case Harty. Jim was raised in Jamestown, attended St. John's Academy before graduating from Jamestown High School in 1949. During his high school years Jim was active in football, baseball and track.
After high school, Jim attended St. John's University in Collegeville, MN. In June of 1953, Jim graduated from college, and on the 6th he married his high school sweetheart, Elizabeth A. Brown, and then was drafted into the US Army.
In May of 1955, after serving two years in the army, he returned to Jamestown and entered the insurance business, Harty Insurance, with his father. After purchasing Harty Insurance from his father in 1972, sons Jim (1980) and Tom (1982) joined him in the business. He retired in 1996.
Jim was active with American Legion baseball, served 14 years as commissioner of the Jamestown Park Board, member of the Elks, Eagles, VFW, American Legion, Knights of Columbus, Jamestown Quarterback Club, Jimmie Booster Club, Jamestown Chamber of Commerce and St. James Parish.
Jim enjoyed attending and watching sporting events, especially Notre Dame Football and following his children's and grandchildren's activities. He was their biggest fan.
He also enjoyed running. He was proud to have completed the North Dakota Marathon at age 48, and enjoyed the company of his running club friends, Rollie Greeno, Tom Heck, Bill Caufield and Larry Knoblich.
In 1977, Jim and Betty purchased their lake home in Alexandria, MN where they truly enjoyed spending time with their children and grandchildren.
Jim was a testament to the value of modern medicine. He matched the gift of life given him through an organ transplant in 1991 with a vitality to live for four more decades that included episodes of cancer and the eventual loss of two limbs.
Jim is survived by his daughters, Jennifer (Dennis) VanBerkum, Mankato; Amy (Mark) Haines, Eckleson; sons, James (Connie) and Thomas (Jeanne), Jamestown; Eleven grandchildren, Jessica VanBerkum, Emily (David) Holmquist, Andrew VanBerkum, David Schiwal, Katie Schiwal, Nicole (Brett) Anderson, Alicia (Anthony) Holen, Brittany (Erik) Olson - Fiancée, Ryan (Brandi) Harty, Kendra (Jed) Steiner, Robert (Sara Dehmer - Fiancée), 17 Great Grandchildren, one sister in law, Maxine Harty, 5 nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty, his parents, stepmother, Irene, brother, John (Jack) Harty.
Funeral Mass; 10:00 AM, Thursday, February 11, 2016 at the St. James Basilica with Msgr. Jeffrey Wald, officiating.
Visitation: 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Wednesday, Februrary 10 at Eddy Funeral Chapel.
Vigil Service: 7:00 PM, Wednesday, February 10 at Eddy Funeral Chapel.
Burial: Calvary Cemetery.

Memorials may be given to the James & Elizabeth Harty Scholarship at the University of Jamestown, Ave Maria Village or the Heritage Centre of Jamestown.

Online guest book: www.eddyfuneralhome.com

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