Collection: FND001 - SHSND Foundation - North Dakota Heritage Family Memorial Program
Series: Tribute
Folder: DIG
Item: 272235
Title: James A. Becker
Date: 7/1/1955-7/10/2026
Inscription/Marks: 7/1/1955
Summary: James Alan Becker, 71, of Minot, formerly of Ray, ND, passed away peacefully on July 10, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family following a courageous battle with cancer. A celebration of Jim’s life was held on July 17, 2026, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Ray, with burial at Highland Cemetery.
Jim was born on July 1, 1955, to James and Shirley (Salveson) Becker. He spent his childhood in Amarillo, TX, and Wildrose, ND, where he developed the strong work ethic, quiet determination, and deep love for family that would guide him throughout his life. He graduated from Wildrose High School with the class of 1973.
Following graduation, Jim proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps from 1973 to 1975. The discipline, integrity, and perseverance he learned during his military service became hallmarks of the way he lived his life.
On September 24, 1976, Jim married the love of his life, Susan Ann Walter. Together they built a life rooted in faith, love, laughter, and unwavering devotion to one another. This September would have marked their 50th wedding anniversary, a beautiful testament to a lifetime of partnership and love. Together, Jim and Susan raised their three sons and built a home where family always came first, everyone was welcome, and some of life’s best memories were made around the kitchen table, at the lake, and wherever loved ones gathered.
Jim built a career through hard work and determination. He spent more than three decades working in the oil field and road construction industries, including several years working on the North Slope of Alaska. Never one to stop learning, he graduated from Bismarck State College in 2004, opening the door to a new chapter in his career. This new career eventually led them to Minot, ND, where Jim retired from Aux Sable in November 2022.
He loved spending time at Lake Sakakawea and the family cabin, where many of his happiest memories were made, especially those shared with his family. He enjoyed biking, running, and swimming, participating in many marathons and triathlons well into his fifties. He also enjoyed building, or in his words “modifying” things, and had a lifelong fascination with computers, technology, and 3D printing. Whether he was tackling a home project, repairing something, or learning a new skill, Jim found genuine satisfaction in creating something with his own hands.
Jim especially loved the 4th of July. For him, Independence Day was more than a holiday—it was a time for family, laughter, fireworks, and celebrating the country he was proud to have served. Those gatherings became treasured memories, filled with joy, patriotism, and the people he loved most.
One of Jim’s greatest joys was building things for his children and, years later, for his grandchildren. Whether it was elaborate treehouses, kayaks, hovercrafts, computers or countless other projects, to Jim they were never just lumber, tools, and parts. They were places where imaginations grew, adventures began, laughter echoed, and lifelong memories were made.
Perhaps what people will remember most was Jim’s remarkable sense of humor. Even during life’s most difficult moments—including his battle with cancer—he never lost his ability to smile, laugh, or make others laugh. He had a gift for finding joy in everyday life and reminded those around him that no matter how difficult life became, there was always time for one more joke. His courage throughout his illness reflected the same quiet strength and determination that defined the way he lived his entire life.
Jim’s greatest accomplishments were never found in his career or the projects he built, but in the family he loved, the example he set, and the countless lives he quietly impacted along the way. Whether serving his country, providing for his family, or simply lending a helping hand, Jim lived with humility, generosity, and an unwavering desire to make life a little better for those around him. Always a kid at heart, his legacy lives on in the family he cherished, the values he passed on, his hobbies that sparked childhood adventures, and in every smile that comes from remembering “Papa Knucklehead.”
Jim is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 50 years, Susan Ann Becker; his sons, Jeremy (Krista) Becker, Joshua (Ranie) Becker, and Joseph Becker; and his treasured grandchildren, Asalyn James, Jace Alan, Bode Rylan, Piper Willow, Kyle James, Oliver Leo, and Easton Alan. Being “Grandpa”—or, as his grandchildren lovingly knew him, “Papa Knucklehead”—was one of Jim’s greatest joys. Nothing brought him greater happiness than spending time with his grandchildren, making them laugh, and creating special memories they will carry with them for the rest of their lives. He is also survived by his sisters, Monica (Delroy) Rosten and Debbie (Kirk) Bender; his stepfather, Maynard Ouren; his stepbrothers, Gary (Ronny) Ouren and Michael (Denise) Ouren; his brothers- and sisters-in-law, Tammy (Don) Larson, Amanda Walter, Leo (Joyce) Walter, Lelon (Mindy) Walter, Les (Shelly) Walter, and Mickee (Jake) Adams; along with numerous nieces and nephews, many cherished extended family members, lifelong friends, neighbors, and coworkers.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Shirley (Salveson) Becker; his brothers, Jonathan Becker and Timothy Becker; and his parents-in-law, Leo and Viola Walter.
Red ID: FND_I_79727 Image ID: 596179 Image Notes: FND001 272235
