James A. Telken

James ""Jim"" Telken, 74, of Jamestown, ND died Friday, August 9, 2002 at Medcenter One Health Systems in Bismarck, ND.

James Alvin Telken was born July 22, 1928, at home near Buchanan, North Dakota the son of Henry and Hattie (Radtke) Telken. Jim attended the Telken School and graduated from Buchanan High School. He joined the US Army National Guard on January 16, 1951 and was a member of the 188 Field Artillery, serving in Alabama until his discharge on September 14, 1952. Jim married Freda Benson on June 12, 1951 in Jamestown while on leave from the army. He was discharged from active duty after 26 years with the guards.

They returned to Buchanan and he worked in Texas and Jamestown building dams, including the Jamestown Dam, for appoximately 6 months. Jim joined the Jamestown Police Force where he served for two years. He then worked in the Special Agent Dept. for the Northern Pacific Railroad for seven years. Jim then started fulltime with the North Dakota Army National Guard as a mechanic. From January 1975 to December 1978, Jim was the Stutsman County Sheriff. He then worked for R. M. Stoudt, Inc. for six years before retiring in 1986. Jim also delivered the Sunday Minneapolis Tribune and Fargo Forum to surrounding communities for 35 years.

Jim was a Life Honorary Member of the Jamestown Volunteer Fire Department and was active in the Department from 1963 to 1975, serving as a Captain. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Jamestown. Jim was active in the American Legion, serving many offices including Commander, District Commander, Central Regional Vice Commander from 1988-1989, Grand Chef de Gare of 40&8 in 1995, and was Adjutant for many years. He was a life member of the Eagles Aerie 2337, Jamestown and served as President, Secretary, and State offices. Jim was a past Master of the Masonic Lodge and a past member of the El Zagel Shriners and Clowns. Jim earned many awards for his marksmanship and organized the Demolay Rifle Club where he helped kids learn rifle safety and how to shoot. He was a lifetime member of the NRA and the North Dakota Peace Officers Association.

Jim enjoyed helping all of his children whenever they needed help. He enjoyed carpentry and built things for people and helped with remodeling his children's homes. He enjoyed helping his friends and neighbors with anything he could and never expected anything in return. Jim enjoyed playing cards and spending time with his family and friends.

Jim is survived by his wife; five daughters, Barbara (Carter) Berg of Center, ND, Deborah (Gordon) Anderson of Bismarck, ND, Marion (Dale) Seckerson, Sandra (Gary) Orr, Vickie (Thomas) Steckler, all of Jamestown; two sons, Henry (Natalie) Telken of Jamestown, and Tony (Jodi) Telken of Grand Forks, ND; twenty grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; two brothers, Edwin (Myrt) Telken of Orting, WA and Lloyd Telken of Renton, WA.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one great-grandson, Gaven Rodgers; four brothers, Charles, Thomas, William, and Henry; two sisters, Frances Telken and Helen Thies.

Funeral Service: 11:00AM Tuesday, August 13, 2002 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Jamestown, ND with Rev. David Eppelsheimer officiating.

Visitation: Monday, August 12, 2002 from 9:00AM to 9:00PM at the Eddy Funeral Home.

Family will receive guests at the funeral home from 6:30PM to 8:00PM on Monday.

Burial: Buchanan Cemetery, Buchanan, ND.