James “Jim” Beattie

James Lloyd Beattie was born January 20, 1940, to Peter W. and Eva (Lloyd) Beattie at Erie, Cass County, ND.  He died June 28, 2020 at Sanford Hospital in Fargo, ND.  He attended school at Ayr, ND and transferred to Moorhead schools in the fall of 1953 when he moved with his family to Moorhead.  He graduated from Moorhead High School in 1958.

Jim married Myrna Gronbeck November 21, 1958, at the First Presbyterian Church in Moorhead.  A daughter, Katherine, was born to them on June 13, 1959.  They resided in Moorhead until 1978 when they moved to Fargo.  Jim was in Boy Scouts, lastly as an Air Explorer.  He worked at Camp Wilderness several summers.  He was involved in Demolay and Masons and he was a member of two camping clubs.  Jim was a member of the Ayr Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church in Moorhead after moving there.

He attended NDSU, Minnesota State University Moorhead, and Interstate Business College.  He was employed by the City of Moorhead, Tennefos Construction, General Equipment and several trucking companies.

Jim enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping. He took part in the Minnesota Centennial Canoe Race from Detroit Lakes to Moorhead in 1957.   He also loved playing cards and having coffee with his high school friends and others.

Jim was a good husband, father and grandfather.  He loved his family-his grandchildren were special to him and he was very proud of them all.  He attended their music programs and athletic games almost without fail.

He leaves his wife, Myrna; daughter, Katherine (Mitchell Sr.) McKaig; three grandchildren, Hannah McKaig, Denver, CO, Ehrin McKaig, Fergus Falls, MN; and Mitchell McKaig Jr., Ft. Carson, CO; sisters, Janet Johnson, Fargo, Geraldine (Everett) Arneson, Bothell, WA; brother-in-law, Dallas Mundt, San Diego, CA; sister-in-law, Holly Beattie, Pelican Rapids, MN and Mesa, AZ; sisters-in-law, Marlys (Dennis Arndt) Montgomery, Fargo, and  Marlene (Keith ) Canton, Port Orchard, WA; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Gardis Mundt and Jaci Mundt; brother, Robert Beattie; brothers-in-law, Arland Mundt, Donald K. Johnson, Dennis Montgomery; his father and mother-in-law, Frank and Corine Gronbeck, aunts, uncles and cousins.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday, July 8, 2020 at 1:00 P.M. at First Presbyterian Church in Moorhead.  You are invited to join the family at the Speak Easy, 1001 30^th Ave. S. Moorhead, at 2:00 P.M. for refreshments.  Jim’s final resting place will be in the columbarium at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Fargo.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to your favorite charity.

In response to COVID-19 restrictions, masks and social distancing will be required at the church. Video tribute and online guestbook at www.wrightfuneral.com.