Obituary: James Hope

James Hope

Dickinson, N.D.

James "Jim" Hope passed away suddenly and all too soon at his home on Monday, Sept. 16, 2024.

There was a celebration of life service for Jim at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024 at First Congregational-UCC, Dickinson with Rev. Janel Kolar as officiant. Visitation was one hour prior to the service at the church. Inurnment took place at Prairie Home Cemetery, New Rockford. There was a gathering of family and friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Friday, Sept. 27, 2024 at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson.

Jim Hope was a simple man with a simple philosophy of life. Do what you think is right. His moral compass never waivered.

Jim was born in New Rockford, N.D. on Sept. 27, 1954. He grew up in that town, the fourth of Bill and Donna Hope's five children. And although work led him to Dickinson, N.D., he always cherished New Rockford.

Jim attended Minot State College for two years, then transferred to the University of North Dakota, receiving his law degree and being admitted to the North Dakota Bar in 1980. He also received his CPA that same year. After practicing law in Crosby, N.D. for three years he moved to Dickinson to work at the Mackoff, Kellog, Kirby & Kloster Law Firm.

There he met and befriended his sassy secretary, Jackie Powell. They dated for eighteen days before he proposed. They were married Oct. 20, 1984. Every day they were together was a joy. Every single day.

In 1985 Jim moved to the Stark County State's Attorney Office, and continued as a county prosecutor for nearly 40 years. He often said he loved his job, because he could help people. He always had time to listen. He was a problem-solver. He never failed to say, "Thank you."

Later in 1985, Jim and Jackie's son, Patrick, was born. Patrick, too, was and is a joy. Every single day.

Jim was a member of First Congregational Church United Church of Christ, serving most recently as church treasurer. He served on the Dickinson Public School Board from 1998 to 2004. He also served on the Social Services Board, the Domestic Violence and Rape Crisis Center Board, and as Chairman of the District 37 Republican Party. He was an adjunct professor of business at Dickinson State University for over 20 years. Jim rescued animals, fed squirrels and loved his autumn blaze maple tree.

He is survived by his wife, Jackie; his beloved son and daughter-in-law, Patrick and Ashley; his two grandchildren, Charlotte and JJ, to whom he was "Tampa"; and Katie the Wonder Puppy. He also leaves behind his siblings: Ronan Rolland, Carter and Jackie Hope; Jennifer and Mike Martin; and Sharron Hope. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother-in-law, Richard Rolland.

And he leaves his friends with his legacy of humility and kindness.

Memorials can be sent to First Congregational Church or the Prairie Home Cemetery Association.

Arrangements are with Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson, http://www.ladburyfuneralservice.com.