James G Tessin

James G. Tessin, age 78 of Grafton, ND passed away on Monday, August 29, 2011 at Altru Hospital of Grand Forks. James G. Tessin was born March 10, 1933 in Big Stone, SD the son of the late Carl and Lois (Purrington) Tessin. He graduated from Valley City High School in 1950. He served in the United States Air Force from 1951-1955. He was united in marriage to Carol Fassett in 1951 in Bottineau, ND. Following his discharge he worked as a lineman for the Rural Electric Company in Cook, MN. Carol passed away in 1967 after a three year battle with leukemia. In 1968 he moved to Wells, MN where he managed the Wells Rural Electric. In 1976 James moved to Wahpeton, ND and worked as a lineman until 1977 when he moved to Grand Forks where he worked for Aerial Contractors. He married Barbara Bauer Richards on November 13, 1980 in Grand Forks. He went to work for Nodak Electric and moved to Grafton where he worked as a foreman until retiring in 1992. James loved spending time outdoors. He enjoyed camping, fishing and hunting. He is survived by his wife Barbara, Grafton, ND; children: Tom (Michelle) Tessin, Remer, MN; Tim (Nicole) Tessin, Grand Forks, ND; Adam Tessin, Cook, MN; step-children: Bill (Jennifer) Richards, Attica, MI, Laura Richards, Fargo, ND. Numerous grandchildren also survive. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Carol, an infant son Terry and brother, Carl Jr. Memorial services will be Thursday, September 8, 2011 at 2:00 PM at the Tollefson Funeral Home of Grafton. Visitation will be Thursday for one hour prior to the service. Military rites will be provided by the Grafton American Legion Post #41 and the North Dakota National Guard Honor Guard.