James L. Borgen

James “Jim” L. Borgen, 57 of Devils Lake, ND died on Wednesday morning, February 11, 2009 at his home in Devils Lake. Funeral Services for Jim will be held on Saturday, February 14, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church. Rev. Jamie Desai will officiate and burial will be in the Devils Lake Cemetery. Military Honors will be accorded by the Neathery-Simensen Post #756, Devils Lake Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Lake Region Honor Guard, Camp Grafton. Visitation will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Friday from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 5:30 p.m. Visitation on Saturday will be at the church one hour prior to the funeral service. Serving as Casket Bearers for Jim will be Dale Flohaug, Greg Miller, Ron Hanson, Karrol Olson, Larry Weigel and Jim LaMotte. Honorary Bearers are the staff and Jim’s many friends from the VFW. Music will be provided by Russell and Lynda Pearson. James L. Borgen was born on June 23, 1951 at McVille, ND, the son of Leonard and Alice (Johnson) Borgen. He grew up in the Kloten/Aneta area, attended school in McVille and graduated from McVille High School in the class of 1969. He attended Mayville State College for two years and proudly served with the North Dakota National Guard Unit at Camp Grafton for 3 years. In 1971, Jim began his 35 year career with the North Dakota Highway Department, retiring in 2007. Jim was united in marriage to Julie Denne on December 3, 1977 at Devils Lake. They established their home in Devils Lake and were the proud parents of Brian. Julie died in 1981. Jim married Judy Liska in July of 1994 in Devils Lake and they continued to make Devils Lake their home through the years. Jim worked part-time as a bartender at the VFW Club and for the past 10 years he also worked for Devils Lake Gaming. Jim was a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church and the American Legion in Fargo. He was a former member of the Devils Lake Elks and Eagles Lodges. Jim had a passion for playing darts and played on several leagues over the past 10 years. He would never turn down a chance to play cards and golf was a favorite summer pastime. But more than anything, Jim loved spending time with his dear family and many friends. His loving, caring, unselfish personality was reflected in his hardy, infectious laugh. He was the kind of man who would give the shirt off his back to help anyone in need. Jim will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. Jim is survived by his wife, Judy Son: Brian Borgen and his wife, Denise of Pelican Rapids, MN and Jim’s twin grandchildren to be born in July Step-Daughters: Tammy Devier of Georgetown, MN and Jim’s grandson, Keenan Devier Melissa Elsperger and her husband, Travis of Devils Lake and Jim’s grandchildren, Mia and Mack Elsperger Brothers: Mike Borgen and his wife, Virginia of Fargo Richard Borgen and his wife, Karen of Grand Forks Sister: Robin Lane of Fergus Falls, Minnesota Many nieces, nephews and cousins also survive. Jim was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Julie.