Owen “Jim” Dundas
Owen James “Jim“ Dundas, 87, of Watford City, N.D., died early Thursday morning Oct. 22, 2009, at the McKenzie County Memorial Hospital. Funeral services were held Monday, Oct. 26, 2009, at the First Lutheran Church in Watford City. Rev. Chris Montgomery, Rev. Jim Stenslie and Rev. Alton Hillesland officiated and interment was held at Schafer Cemetery. Friends may share condolences with the family online at www.fulkersons.com
Owen James Dundas was born on July 27, 1922, in Watford City, N.D., to Sid and Clara (Olson) Dundas. He attended public schools in Watford City and then worked at the Figure 4 Ranch after graduation, and again after returning from the service. In 1943, he entered the United States Army, serving in the 71st Infantry Division in Europe during World War II where he was awarded the Bronze Star. In 1947, Jim earned his pilot’s license, attended Dakota Business College in Fargo, N.D., and started work with his father at the Cooperative Lumber Supply Company in Watford City. He remained there until 1959 when he joined S & S Motors as a bookkeeper. In 1961, Jim began his career at McKenzie Electric Cooperative (REC), retiring in 1985.
Jim married Harriet Aletha Elsberry on Sept. 24, 1948, in Watford City, and they had one daughter, Mary Ann.
Jim was a member of First Lutheran Church, serving on the Church Council as well as singing in the choir. He was secretary of the Watford City Community Benefit Association for 30 years. He was also a member of the American Legion Drill Team, the VFW, and the American Legion. He served on the McKenzie County Memorial Hospital Board and the City Board.
Jim was an avid outdoorsman who loved camping, hunting, and fishing. His favorite vacations were those spent fly fishing on the Gallatin River near Bozeman, Mont. He was also a skilled carpenter and woodworker, spending countless hours in his orderly workshop. He had a deep love for his family and country, a loyal sense of patriotism, and great pride in his stoic, Scottish heritage.
He is survived by his daughter, Mary (Daniel) Nelson, of Fargo, N.D.; grandson, Eric (Maralee) Nelson; and great-granddaughter, Sophia Nelson, of South Hamilton, Mass.; granddaughter, Kathryn Nelson, of Fargo, N.D.; nephews, Gary Sundfor, of Rock Springs, Wyo., James (Virginia) Dundas, of Helena, Mont., and Mark (Patti) Dundas, of Billings, Mont.; nieces, Sandy Dundas, of Helena, Mont., and Vicki Dundas, of Missoula, Mont.
Jim was predeceased by his wife, Harriet, just three weeks ago on Oct. 3; his parents, Sid and Clara Dundas; two brothers, Robert Dundas and Stuart Dundas; and a sister, Jean Sundfor Worl.