Dennis Arthur James

   Dennis was born on July 8, 1952 in Park Rapids, MN to Marvin and Lela (Cripps) James. He grew into manhood in Park Rapids where he attended public school and enjoyed participating in sports. He graduated with the class of 1970. Dennis entered the United States Army where he proudly served his country stationed in Okinawa, Japan. On March 4, 1971, he was united in marriage to Eva Hawks at the First Baptist Church in Park Rapids. This union was blessed with five children: Faith, Hope, Charity, Lela and Marvin. Upon receiving his honorable discharge he returned to Park Rapids and attended the Detroit Lakes Vocational-Technical College where he studied agriculture and automotive mechanics. Dennis also joined the Minnesota National Guard and was a guardsmen for a number of years. In 1976, Dennis reenlisted in the Army and served at the Ft. Carson Army Base in Colorado Springs, CO. Following his discharge in the late 1970’s, Dennis purchased land from his father-in-law and began dairy farming southwest of Park Rapids in Straight River Township. They farmed until 1986. Dennis then gained employment with the Nor-tech Manufacturing Company in Bemidji for several years. He was stricken with health problems at an early age and became fully disabled. Dennis became a resident of the Hastings Nursing Home for three years before returning to Park Rapids. He was a strong supporter of Park Rapids Panthers Football, was a strong supporter of Hubbard County 4-H and was a member of the Shell Prairie County Fair Association. In his younger years, Dennis loved to hunt and fish. Above all, Dennis loved his children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and siblings with all his heart.    Dennis is survived by his 5 children: Faith (Robert) Acosca of Douglas, Wyoming, Hope (Brian) Christensen of Hopkins, MN, Charity (Oladoye Temitayo) of Park Rapis, MN, Lela Sanneh of Hawley, MN and Marvin James of Park Rapids; ten grandchildren: Dale Wilkens, Sarah Wilkens, Victoria Acosta, Timothy and Michael Fieldsend, Bryce James, Oliver James, Maiya James, Taryn Nyangau and Willow Sanneh; his sister, Violet (Jerry) Richards of Pine River, MN; three brothers: Barry James, Clifford (Penny) James, and Loren James all of Park Rapids; as well as many nieces, nephews other relatives and friends.    He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, LaVere “Doc” James; a sister, Norma Jean and a grandson, Wyatt Sproul.