Jim Ozbun

Funeral Service for Jimmy Lee (Jim) Ozbun, 88 of Dickinson, ND will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 9, 2025 at St. John Lutheran Church, Dickinson, with Pastor Lisa Lewton and Mary Wiggins officiating. Burial will follow in the Fair Hill Cemetery, Flasher.

Jim’s family will be present to receive friends from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Friday, August 8th at Stevenson Funeral Home, Dickinson.

Jim passed away Sunday, August, 3, 2025 at CHI St. Alexius Bismarck, ND.

Jim Lee Ozbun was born September 3, 1936 in Carson, ND the son of Harold and Helen (Massey) Ozbun. He grew up on a farm in western North Dakota. He obtained his B.S. and M.S. degrees from North Dakota State University, and his Ph.D in Soils and Plant Physiology from North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC. He served on the faculty and in various leadership positions at Cornell University, the University of Minnesota, Kansas State University, Washington State University and as president of North Dakota State University. He retired as President Emeritus from NDSU in 1995 and purchased a small cattle ranch in western North Dakota, where he raised registered Hereford cattle and registered Quarter horses. Jim’s research and teaching were primarily related to physiology and nutrition of crop plants. He advised numerous graduate students including ten Ph.D dissertations. He has more that 50 scientific journal publications and extensive international experience and consulting, including time in China, Morocco, Jordan, the Sudan and Columbia. Jim served on numerous boards and committees during his professional career in higher education. Since retiring from NDSU Jim also served as interim president at Dickinson State University in 2015. His other activities have included: Boy Scouts of America-Committee Membership, Fund Drives, District Director, 1999-2000; Rotary International Committee Chair, Rotary Club President, Assistant Governor, District Governor 2007-2008; Medora Foundation Board from 1996-2002; St. Joseph’s Hospital Board from 1996-2005, Chair of Board from 1997-2005; St. Joseph Hospital Foundation from 2005; St. John Lutheran Church Council from 2000-2004; Partners for Grassland Stewardship from 1999 to present; Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation- Local Committee; St. Luke’s Nursing Home Board and Foundation from 2004 to present. He has done consulting for Ohio State University- 1997 and Auburn University-1999. His recognitions include; Paul Harris Fellow from Rotary; James West Fellowship Award from Boy Scouts of America; Volunteer of the Year from Dickinson Chamber of Commerce and Philanthropist of the Year from Dickinson Chamber of Commerce.

Jim is survived by his Children; Terry (Patty McCauley) Ozbun, Fairview, OR; Karen (Phillip) Farrington, Harvest, AL; grandchildren, Hannah Ozbun, Seth (Susan) Farrington; Caleb (Sam) Farrington; Joshua (Sarah) Farrington; Samantha (Anthony) Webb; and Rose (Ben) Ewing.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Sonja; both of his parents; sister, Carley Wright; brothers, Larry and Ronnie.

In lieu of flowers, Jim’s family suggests memorials to St. John Trust Fund; Jim and Sonja Fine Arts Scholarship at NDSU (NDSU Foundation); Dickinson State University Heritage Foundation. All memorials can be sent directly to the designated organization or to Stevenson Funeral Home, 2067 1st Street West, Dickinson, ND 58601.