James M Costello

James (Jim) Mathew Costello, 90, of Voss, devout in his faith, passed away on January 16th at the Southern AZ VA in Tucson. 

James M. Costello was born May 20, 1935 to Mary (Coffey) and James H. Costello in Grafton. He grew up on the family farm and later the family moved into Minto. 

He was known for his Irish tenor voice. In 1942 at the age of seven he was dressed as a soldier and sang 'I'll Be Home for Christmas' at the local Christmas concert. They say there was not a dry eye in the room. Throughout his life he continued to sing at weddings and funerals, including his daughter's wedding in 1991. 

He was also known for his athletic ability in football, baseball and especially basketball where he displayed his famous ''hook shot''. Following graduation from Minto High School in 1954 he attended North Dakota State University majoring in Agriculture. There he became a lifelong Bison fan. 

He joined the US Army in 1959 where he served in the post, World War II USAREUR. In November 1961, he married the love of his life, Ruth Ann Greicar. They raised two children, ran the family farm for almost 40 years and ensured Jim made his daily rural mail route until Ruth passed away in November of 1999.

In 2001 Jim found happiness again and was married to LaVerne Mahar until her death in July of 2024.

Jim enjoyed family, farming, visiting with friends, sports, and all things Irish and Catholic. His favorite pastime included watching his beloved Notre Dame, Creighton, Green Bay, Boston, and Bison teams. Yet nothing could compare to a good hometown Minto rivalry. You could find him in Minto at First Friday services, having coffee with his best buddies at Northdale Oil or driving around the Voss area in his pickup, enjoying 'God's country' as he called it. 

Survivors include daughter, Maureen (Tom) Price, Tucson, AZ; son Bradley (Kathy) of Grand Forks, ND; grandchildren Christina Price (fiancé William Herriot); Braden Costello and Lily Costello; Laverne's children, grandchildren and great grandchildren; sisters Marian Whitlock, Boise, ID; Eunice Greicar, Grand Forks; special cousin Phyillis (Frank) Miller; sister-in-law Barbara Greicar along with several nieces, nephews and cousins. 

Preceding him in death were his parents, wife Ruth; second wife LaVerne; brothers-in-law Kenneth Greicar, Mike Whitlock, Troy Barnes, Norval Nelson, Ronald Greicar, sister-in-law Isabelle Nelson Barnes and nephew Patrick Whitlock. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be on Friday, January 30, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Minto. Visitation will be from 9-10:30 a.m. at the church. Inurnment will be at St. Patrick’s Cemetery of Minto, ND in the spring.