James Milbrath

   James Milbrath, 55, West Fargo, ND, passed away Tuesday, July 28, 2020 at his home surrounded by family under the care of Sanford Hospice.

   James was born on July 21, 1965 in Bottineau, North Dakota to Aldon and Connie Milbrath.  He was raised in Bottineau where he attended school and graduated in 1983 from Bottineau High School. He then attended North Dakota State University where he pursued a degree in Business Administration.  During college James began working as a teller for Gate City Bank. After graduation, he continued his banking career with Gate City with various positions, including branch manager, collections, and eventually ending up as a Personal Loan Development Officer at the Downtown location. He worked with Gate City for 34 years and made many lifelong friends who became family. On October 15, 1994 James was united in marriage with Karen Paulson who he met while attending college. They raised their two children, Andrea and Jordan, in West Fargo where they made their home.

  James loved every sport imaginable but a few of his favorites that he participated in were soccer, basketball, softball, and volleyball. He went on to share his love of sports with his children. He coached both his son and daughter in basketball and loved watching them run cross country and track. When he wasn’t competing, he could be found on the sidelines cheering on his favorite teams.  Another thing James enjoyed was spending time at the lake with family and friends. He always wanted others to love the lake as much as he did.  James always had a strong faith that continued to shine even through his cancer journey. There was never a doubt that he knew where he was going.

  James is survived by his wife of 25 years, Karen Milbrath, their children Andrea and Jordan Milbrath (all of West Fargo, ND), his parents Aldon and Connie Milbrath, sister Lori (Mark) Jones, brother Dayton Milbrath, niece Cortney Jones, and nephew Logan Jones. He was preceded in death by his brother David Milbrath.

   Memorials can be made to Roger Maris Cancer Center or Sanford Hospice in his memory.

   Due to COVID-19 the family prefers people wear masks

Visitation: Sunday, August 2, 2020 from 5 to 6 PM at West Funeral Home, West Fargo. 

Prayer Service: Sunday, August 2, 2020 at 6 PM at West Funeral Home, West Fargo.

Funeral: Monday, August 3, 2020 at 10 AM at West Funeral Home, West Fargo.

Burial: Monday, August 3, 2020 following the service at Riverside Cemetery, Fargo, ND.

West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center

westfuneralhome.com

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