James “Jim” DeForest, age 83, of Bismarck, North Dakota, passed away on May 20, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am, Friday, June 5, at the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, 520 Raymond St, Bismarck. Memorials may be given to the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit. Jim's mass will be livestreamed.

Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 pm, Thursday, June 4, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Pkwy, Bismarck, with a rosary and vigil service beginning at 7:00 pm, followed by a time of sharing. The rosary and vigil service will be livestreamed.

Jim was born on February 13, 1943, in Hankinson, North Dakota, to Herbert and Viola DeForest. He was the fourth of seven children. From a young age, Jim developed a lifelong love for golf. That love began at a familiar course near Jim’s home. Jim spent countless hours at Tom O’Leary, where he and his brother Lee would play with the Cram boys. What started as a childhood passion quickly became one of the great joys of his life.

Jim attended St. Mary's Central High School before continuing his education at Bismarck Junior College and Ellendale State Teachers College. He began his teaching and coaching career in Solen and later spent a year coaching golf in Norman, Oklahoma before returning to Bismarck. He was also an assistant basketball coach at Mary College. Jim married his wife, Sandra Neumann, and together they built a beautiful life filled with love, laughter, family, and many cherished memories. They were blessed with four children – Kelley, Jamie, Cassie, and Jim – who brought him great pride and joy.

Jim dedicated more than 30 years to the Bismarck Public School System, along with one year teaching at St. Mary’s Grade School. He taught elementary physical education at Northridge Elementary and coached both boys and girls golf at Century High School. During his coaching career, he helped lead the boy's team to a state championship in 1978. He also won two state championships with the girl's team in 1982 and 1983. Jim retired in 2000 after a long career in teaching and coaching, making a lasting impact on students and athletes.

Golf was one of Jim’s greatest passions. He won the North Dakota State Amateur Golf Tournament and the KFYR Golf Classic in 1974. Even after retirement, he continued to enjoy the game and spent many winters in the Phoenix area, where he loved being with his family and, of course, finding time for golf. Any opportunity to spend time on the golf course was one Jim gladly welcomed. When he returned home to Bismarck, he loved taking his family out on the course and creating lasting memories together.

Jim will be remembered for his sense of humor, his deep love for his family, and his ability to make people laugh. Jim never needed much to be happy- his family nearby, a golf club in his hand, and someone to laugh with was usually more than enough.

Jim is survived by his wife, Sandy; his son, Jim (Tracy); his daughters, Kelley Dockter (Jeff), Jamie Ismir, and Cassie Namnoum (Rob); his beloved grandchildren, Jake, Travis, Sydney, Chase, Robbie, Luke, Ben, Grace, Ellie, and Casey; and his great-grandchildren, Jack, Charles, Hank, and one on the way. He is also survived by his brothers, Lee and Frank; his sisters, Carole Treadway and Bernie Brown; his sisters-in-law, Carol DeForest and Pat DeForest; his brothers-in-law, Jack Brown and Bob Arso; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Viola DeForest; his sister, Kathleen Arso; his brother, Pat DeForest; his niece, Marilyn Arso; his mother-in-law, Eleanor Neumann; Jamie’s partner, Dewayne Edge; his brother-in-law, Steven Tredway; and his sister-in-law, Marilyn Woodward.

Jim lived a wonderful life surrounded by family and friends who were blessed to know him. His humor, kindness, and love will be missed and remembered always. He was truly one of a kind.