James "Jim" Bakko

James "Jim" Bakko, 74 passed away June 21, 2024 after a short battle with cancer. This obituary will honor Jim with simplicity as there are no earthly words to describe such an extraordinary man; one must only experience him.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM, Thursday, June 27, at Faith Lutheran Church, 1402 E Ave C, Bismarck. 

Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 PM, Wednesday, June 26, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Pkwy, Bismarck. A prayer service will begin at 7:00 PM. 

Burial will be held at 1:00 PM at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan. 

Jim was born Nov 14, 1949 in Fargo, ND to Arnold and Edna (Hurst) Bakko. Jim grew up in Walcott, ND surrounded by cousins and extended family forming lifelong bonds. He graduated from Wahpeton High School in 1968 where he made lifelong friends who he still shared annual fishing trips to Canada and weekly "Wop Talk" Zoom calls. 

Jim met Mary, the love of his life during their high school years, and they were married August 24, 1974. After high school, Jim joined the Army and served from 1969-1971. He attended college at NDSCS in Wahpeton and following college had a 37 year career with Associated Pool Builders as a draftsman and salesman. Jim and Mary welcomed daughter Jennifer in 1979 and son Joshua in 1981. In retirement Jim loved to golf, play pickle ball, attend classes at the YMCA, attend Sioux hockey games, and spend time with his 4 grandchildren. A few things we will miss the most are his dry and unique sense of humor, and his excellent lefse making skills - All of which he has passed down to his children and grandchildren. 

He is survived by his wife Mary of 49 years, daughter Jennifer (Matt) Schepp of Beulah, ND. Son Joshua (Emily) Bakko of Boise, ID. 4 grandchildren; Addison, Cooper Schepp and Amity, Jackson Bakko. Brother Dale Bakko of Sauk Centre, MN. Sister Jeannette (Jerry) Adams of Louisville, TN. Brother-in-law Mark Lee of Detroit Lakes, MN and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. 

He was preceded in death by his parents Arnold and Edna Bakko, his father and mother-in-law Earl and Sadie Kline, his sister Diane Lee, and several nieces and nephews.

A special thanks to all who provided excellent love and care, especially Sanford Oncology.