James “Jim” Manstrom, 78, of Valley City, ND, passed away on Monday, July 28, 2025, at The Legacy Place in Valley City after a brief battle with stage 4 lung cancer.

Jim was born May 17, 1947, in Valley City to Clifford and Louise Manstrom. He was baptized and confirmed at Nebo Lutheran Church. He graduated from College High in Valley City and later attended the North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton. Jim also served six years in the North Dakota National Guard.

He married Georgia Bemis in 1968, and together they were blessed with two daughters. Jim dearly loved farming, spending 26 years raising crops and tending cattle. After his farming career, he worked for FedEx Freight, Inc. for 11 years, forming lasting friendships along the way. Following retirement, he continued working on a farm south of Valley City for another nine years until his health began to decline in late 2024. No matter the job, Jim gave 100% and was known for his strong work ethic.

In his spare time, Jim enjoyed restoring tractors, drinking coffee with friends at Petro, and had a passion for hot rods and NASCAR racing.

He is survived by his wife, Georgia; daughters, Andrea (Mark) Winter of Valley City and Melissa (Lyle) Mee of Jamestown; grandchildren, Brenna (Collin) Schroeder, Ellie (Alex) Fodness, Trevor Winter, Dawson Mee and Avery Mee; great-grandchildren, Campbell Fodness and Romy Schroeder; brother, Bruce Manstrom of Colorado Springs, CO; and sister, Cindy (Kevin) Roorda of Marion, ND.

He was preceded in death by his parents; Georgia’s parents; a brother and sister-in-law, Leslie and Elaine; and brother, Dale.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at Sanford Health, City-County Health District, Roger Maris Cancer Center, CHI Mercy Health, The Legacy Place, and HIA Hospice for their care and support over the past eight months.

As per Jim’s wishes, a private family service will be held. Arrangements have been made with Lerud Mathias Funeral Home. An online guestbook is available at www.lerudmathias.com.