James L. Rieger, 60, of Grand Forks, passed away unexpectedly, Wednesday, July 27, 2022 at his home.

James Leon Rieger was born November 13, 1961 in Rugby, ND, the eighth of nine children of the late Leo Roy and and Irene (Lauinger) Rieger. He grew up on a farm near Esmond, ND and attended school there graduating with the class of 1980. He then attended the North Dakota College of Science where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Technology. Along with a farming partnership with brother Kenneth and their parents, Jim, as he is better known, worked in the electrical field and volunteered as a fireman in Esmond for 5 years. In 1988, Jim married Fay Danielson in Grand Forks and together they had two children, Michael and Heidi. He made his home in Grand Forks with his children. Jim currently worked as an Electrician at American Crystal Sugar Company in Crookston and had for over 20 years. He's a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church and the IBEW 1426 Electrical Union both of Grand Forks. Jim loved to play trumpet and enjoyed performing with the family band and loved attending country music festivals and was looking forward to WE Fest starting this week. He also was an avid NASCAR fan, watching races on TV every Sunday and attending many in person. Jim loved fixing cars, farming, hunting, fishing, boating, but most of all he loved being a Grandpa.

James is survived by his children Michael (Corinne) Rieger of Fargo and Heidi Rieger of Grand Forks; grandchildren Gabriella and Isaac Rieger of Fargo; siblings Michael (Jocelyn) Rieger of Bennington, NE, Bonnie (Ralph) Boldenow of Rosemont, MN, Terry (Susan) Rieger of Grand Forks, ND, Kenneth (Judy Schmaltz) Rieger of Harvey, ND, Mark (Roxann) Rieger of Bismarck, ND, Marvilyn (Gary) Roerick of Rugby, ND, Marilyn (Rusty) Ouart of Fargo, ND, and Darla (Scott) Willoughby of Fargo, ND; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Leo Roy and Irene (Lauinger) Rieger, ex-wife Fay (Danielson) Rieger, grandparents Mike and Cecelia "Tillie"(Schwan) Lauinger and Vincent and Francis (Sander) Rieger.

VISITATION: 5-7 PM, Thursday, August 4, 2022 at Dahl Funeral Home, 2029 Central Ave. NW, East Grand Forks, MN 56721

WAKE SERVICE: 7 PM, Thursday, August 4, 2022 also at the funeral home, which will be live-streamed on Jim's page at www.dandahlfuneralhome.com

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: 1:00 PM, Saturday, August 6, 2022 at St. Boniface Catholic Church of Esmond, ND with visitation one hour prior. Mass will also be live-streamed on Jim's page.

BURIAL: St. Boniface Catholic Cemetery in Esmond, ND