James O Fine

James O. Fine, 89, Bismarck, died March 7, 2012, at St. Alexius Medical Center, Bismarck. A memorial service will be held at 11:30 am Monday, March 12, at McCabe United Methodist Church, Bismarck, with Rev. Rick Fossum officiating. Burial will be in the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan. There will be no visitation as cremation has taken place. James was born October 23, 1922, in Rock Township, Benson County, ND, the son of Charles W. and Tina Otteson Fine. He graduated from Minnewaukan High School in 1940 and from the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, in 1951, with a degree in Masters of Arts. He married Nellie Gilderhus in 1949 and they had four children, Charles, Rebecca, Janel, and Nathan. Nellie died in June 1967. He married Darlene Novak on October 23, 1982. He served in the Navy from April 1946 until April 1948. He was honorably discharged as photographers's mate third class. James spent his entire career in public service in North Dakota, except for his farming operations from 1951-1957, then teaching high school and coaching basketball for two years in Brocket and two years in Cleveland, ND. James served in the ND House of Representatives from 1955 - 1956. He was appointed by the Governor of North Dakota to the Board of Administration for five years and was chairman the last two years. He became state director of the Office of Economic Opportunity of North Dakota in 1966 and in 1967 became director of the Lewis and Clark Job Corp Center until it closed. On July 1, 1968, he accepted the position of executive director of the ND Department of Vocational Rehabilitation and retired from that position in March 31, 1988. James was a man of many talents and experiences and enjoyed and loved his family, friends, and retirement. James and Darlene enjoyed traveling and also took many day trips. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. His hobbies were many and included cooking, woodworking, planting trees, watching western movies and listening to polka and country music. He and Darlene had been involved in square dancing. James is survived by his loving wife, Darlene; his children, Charles Karlene Fine, Bismarck, Rebecca Donald Gale, Alburquerque, NM, Janel Nelson Wingerd, Alburquerque, NM; stepdaughter, Deidre Handtmann, Bismarck; sister, Bette Staub, Longview, WA; grandchildren, Katrina Fine, Christin Andy McWaters, Gerald Gale, Shelly Gale, Elisa MarioMartinez, Justin Wingerd; and step-grandchildren, Brandon Baker, Jessica Handtmann and Kelsie Handtmann. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Nellie; his son, Nathan Fine; his parents, Charles and Tina; brothers, Winfield, Lawrence and Robert Fine; and sisters-in-law, Isa, Roberta, Margaret and Phyllis Fine.

James O Fine

October 23, 1922 - March 7, 2012