John Soma

John Henry Soma (known as "Big John"), 61, Jamestown, ND, died Tuesday, January 17, 2012 at Jamestown Regional Medical Center.

John was born July 25, 1950 at Trinity Hospital, Jamestown, the son of Edward and Ruth (Van Winkle) Soma. He grew up in Glenfield and attended Glenfield-Sutton school. He entered the US Army on March 5, 1970 and was honorably discharged on January 5, 1972. On June 24, 1972 John married Victoria Bear in Pingree, ND. He worked at Haybusters, Roller Home, Melroe, Marvel Steel and for BNSF Railroad from 1976 to 2007. He was a section laborer and worked on the tie gang and steel gang and took pride while on the railroad.

John always enjoyed visiting with his family and friends. His hobbies included hunting, gardening, playing cards, cooking, word finds, bingo, road trips, singing karaoke, listening to country western songs, shooting pool and watching fireworks. He had a collection of musical toys that brought him a lot of fun.

John is survived by his wife, Vicki; mother, Ruth Soma; and two children, John "Little John" (Karen) Soma, all of Jamestown and Helinda (Mike) Lee, Mankato, MN. When Vicki's sister passed away they took her children into their home with open arms and they are Rosanna Dewald, Jamestown, ND, Harvest (David) Bear and Mark Dewald, of the Twin Cities area. Also surviving are four grandchildren, Samantha, Jordan and Peyton Soma and McKenzie Lee; special niece, Kristin (Zachery) Bear French, Dickinson, ND; sister-in-law, Gwen Bear, Mandan, ND; four sisters, Cheryl Schaffer, LaMoure, ND, Brenda (Carl) Schneider, Wahpeton, ND, Sharla Priewe, Jamestown and Virginia Sarbaum, Wisconsin Rapids, WI; two brothers, Jerry (Angie) Soma and Keith Soma, both of Litchville, ND; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Edward Soma.