James P. Houseman

James Phillip Houseman

James Phillip Houseman passed away peacefully at his home near Hutchinson, MN, on Tuesday, April 18th, at age 83. Jim was born to Frederick and Nettie Houseman on March 11th, 1934, in Valley City, ND and was raised in Fargo, North Dakota. He attended Emerson Smith Grade School, Agassiz Junior High and graduated from Fargo Central High in 1953. He married his high school sweetheart, Donna Engen, on July 17th, 1954. The two of them lived in Fargo during their first years of marriage, and later built a home in Moorhead in 1960 where they lived for the next 52 years. Jim and Donna also built a cabin on Turtle Lake, MN, where many favorite family memories have been created.
This marriage was blessed with four children, Barb Marv of Hutchinson, MN, Jeff Lori of Sabin, MN, Jim of Hutchinson, MN, Jason Paula of Moorhead, MN. They also had seven grandchildren, Jacob Sarah, Peter, Brynn Brian, Katie, Ryan, Benjamin, and Anna. He was a devoted and loving husband and father to his family.
Jim held several jobs while growing up, including a paper route and as a Fargo Theatre Usher. He worked for Greyhound Bus Lines for over 33 years and for Concordia College until he retired in 2003. While his favorite days were spent at home or at the lake cabin with his family, he enjoyed the company of everyone he worked with. He had been a member of Olivet Lutheran Church in Fargo and of Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Moorhead. After Donna passed away in 2011, Jim moved to Hutchinson. He missed her dearly and they are now together again.
In addition to his children and grandchildren, Jim is survived by his sisters-in-law Donna Marie Houseman, Marianne Seaburg, and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Donna, his parents, Fred and Nettie, his brothers, Fred Bud and William Bill his sisters Marion and Gloria. He was also preceded in death by half siblings, Raymond and Angeline.
A memorial service will be held at Wright Funeral Home, Moorhead on Friday, April 21st at 2:30 P.M.
Burial will take place at Sunset Memorial Gardens.