James T. Light

The service will also be available via live stream at https://www.facebook.com/1stUMCdl/

James (Jim) Thatcher Light, 56, passed away on October 10, 2024, in Grand Forks, ND, due to complications from a strep infection. He was surrounded by family and loved ones in his final days.

 Jim was born on June 29, 1968, in Devils Lake, ND, the youngest child of William Edward Light and Delcie Danroth Light. He attended Devils Lake Public Schools and graduated from Devils Lake Central High School in 1986. Jim then attended Lake Region Junior College, where he played basketball, followed by attendance at North Dakota State University and the University of North Dakota. He returned to Lake Region Junior College, where he received an AA in Liberal Arts and a certification in Computer Technology. After college, he worked locally in Devils Lake and surrounding areas in computer and technical support, including running his own business, Computer Clinic, until the time of his death. 

 Jim Light was a true renaissance man. He was an outdoorsman who loved hunting and fishing, but also enjoyed creating a culinary adventure and cooking for his friends and family the perfect, edible bite. He relished a gathering of his most important people, around a quietly crackling campfire or a boisterous dining table, but was also very well-read and could appreciate the solitude of tranquil immersion in a long novel. Jim enjoyed working with his hands creating furniture and other wooden masterpieces, but also the finer arts of photography and music. He was a fan of sports, both as a participant and a spectator, loved to bowl and throw darts, and could often be found hitting golf balls in the backyard. He took stock in the fact that there wasn’t almost anything that he couldn’t figure out and was regarded for his breadth of knowledge in many areas, especially technology. And, while he was revered for all of these things, Jim would tell you that his crowning achievement really was his children. He was a proud father and adored his children, the sparkle in his life. He cherished every moment spent with them and nothing fulfilled his life more than being a dad. Those who knew Jim will also fondly remember his quick wit, warm smile, and loyalty as a friend.

 Jim is survived by his beloved children, Olivia and Brantley Light; his stepdaughter, Kayla Wollschlager; his father, William E. Light; his siblings, Christiane Light and William J.D. Light; step-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and his kitty, Peanut.

 He was preceded in death by his mother, Delcie D. Light, his maternal grandparents, John Peter Hoagland and Della Cotton Danrot, and his brother-in-law, Jim Hill.

 Jim will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A service to honor and celebrate Jim’s life will be held at the Devils Lake United Methodist Church on Monday, October 28th, at 10:30am. All who knew Jim are welcome to attend. 

The service will also be available via live stream at https://www.facebook.com/1stUMCdl/