James Wilbert Cameron

James Wilbert Cameron, 65, of Crystal, ND, passed away from surgery complications on March 24, 2017. He was surrounded by his loving family and comforted by his faith. James was born in Grafton, ND on October 15, 1951 to Bert and Jean (Mountain) Cameron. He lived his whole life in Crystal, ND.

Jim fiercely loved his family, friends, the land, and hot coffee. His faith in God was unwavering which led him to always do the right thing. He had a larger than life personality; fun and love always followed him. Any given night you could find him driving to the farm, cruising in his Mustang, or riding his Ranger. While we never knew where we were going on our rides, just like life, it was more about the journey and time spent together. Incredibly loyal, Jim never turned down the opportunity to help someone in need. And while he never complained about the weather, we all knew summer was his favorite; he loved weekends spent on Lake Melissa boating or leading everyone in a family game of kickball.

Jim shared 43 years of marriage with the love of his life, Patti. Together they raised two children, Katie and Bert. Nothing made him prouder than his children’s accomplishments and to see them go on to find love and have families of their own. Jim had a nickname for everyone, but his favorite was his own, “Papa”. Grandchildren James, Julia, Taylor, Kennedy, and baby Emma made the last 12 years of life his best. He never missed the chance to attend a basketball game, gymnastics meet, or dance recital. Material things never interested him; his family was his most prized possession.

Jim farmed in the Crystal area until 1999 at which point he began working for Simplot. Jim never shied away from a hard day’s work. He took pride in and enjoyed his work and those he worked with. He was looking forward to spending more time with his family upon his upcoming retirement in October. He had just gotten back from his second test run to Hawaii in preparation.

Jim will always be remembered for his honesty, advice, and deep love of his wife, kids, and their families. The closeness we shared with him will be deeply missed. We all love you, Papa, and you will always be with us.

He is survived by wife, Patti, Crystal, ND; daughter Katie (Tyson) Hajicek, Fergus Falls, MN; son Bert (Kristi) Cameron, Fargo, ND; his grandchildren James and Julia Hajicek and Taylor, Kennedy, and Emma Cameron. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Tommy, and mother and father-in-law Esther and Thomas Mullen.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, March 28, 2017 at 11:00 A.M. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church of Crystal, ND. Visitation will be Monday from 5-7 P.M. with a prayer service at 7:00 P.M. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. Friends may also call at the church on Tuesday for one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery in the spring.