James Clarys

A funeral Mass for James P. Clarys, 93, of Dickinson, will be 10:00 a.m., Friday, September 1, 2023 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Dickinson with Msgr. Thomas Richter celebrating.  Burial will take place in the church cemetery.

Visitation for Jim will be 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., Thursday, August 31, 2023 at Stevenson Funeral Home with a rosary and vigil service being held at 6:00 p.m.

Jim passed away Monday, August 28, 2023 at St. Benedict’s in Dickinson.

James was born March 10, 1930 in Dickinson, the son of Cornelius P. and Agnes R. (Ridl) Clarys. He grew up on the family farm southwest of town. Jim attended his elementary years at a country school, then Sheffield Middle School before graduating from Assumption Abbey High School in Richardton.  Following graduation, Jim worked alongside his father for five years.  It was during this time that he met Maddy Hockert.  On June 25, 1953, Jim and Maddy were married in Courtenay, ND. They made their home on the Clarys family farm and eventually established their own farm on the east side of the river.  This is where they raised their family of seven children. Farming was their life until they retired in 2007 and moved to Dickinson.  Jim always loved working in the shop, fixing and repairing something.  He enjoyed attending the kids’ and grandkids’ sporting events. Jim also enjoyed music, playing cards, reading, square dancing and fishing.

Jim was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church where he served on the parish board and was a Lector for many years.  He was a life member of the Knights of Columbus and a board member of the Rural Fire Department.

Jim is survived by; two daughters, Jacqueline (Daniel) Hopkins of Catonsville, MD and Jane (Mick) Myers of Dickinson; five sons, Daniel J. (Peggy) of Mandan, Mathew (Christie) of Hazen, Howard (Maria) of Circle Pines, MN, Paul (Susan) of Dickinson and Cory (Mary) of Omaha, NE; 17 grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his wife of nearly 70 years, Madeline; parents, Cornelius and Agnes Clarys; sisters, Ann Schnaidt, Mary Hunnicutt, Agnes Samek ; brothers, John, Neil and Joseph Clarys.