Service Schedule

Visitation
Friends may call at the Fulkerson Stevenson Funeral Home in Williston on Wednesday, October 19, 2016 from 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM and at the Fulkerson Stevenson Funeral Home in Watford City on Thursday one hour prior to services.

Service
His funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM, Thursday, October 20, 2016 at the Fulkerson Stevenson Funeral Home Chapel in Watford City. Rev. Mark Honstein will officiate.

Graveside Service
Burial will be in the Farland Churchyard Cemetery, northeast of Arnegard, ND.

James Chellis Walla
October 31, 1939 - October 17, 2016

Place of Birth: Rural Arnegard, ND
Residence: Williston, ND, formerly of Rural Arnegard, ND
Age: 76

Return to Obituaries

James C. Walla, 76, of Williston, ND, formerly of rural Arnegard, ND, passed at his Williston residence on Monday, October 17, 2016 after a short illness. Fulkerson Stevenson Funeral Home of Williston is assisting the family.

“Jim” was born on the family farm north of Arnegard on October 31, 1939. He attended Farland Country School and graduated from Watford City High School. After a military stint, he joined his father in farming in the Farland township. He also was employed at Ray’s Standard during the winter months and drove the school bus. After retirement, Jim moved to Williston and in later years enjoyed spending the winter months at his home in Henderson, Nevada.

Jim was loved by all he met – one friend said, “A more kind and gentle soul never has been born in McKenzie County.” He enjoyed his coffee and breakfast every morning at local restaurants and watching his favorite TV show - “The Price Is Right.” In the summer, he could be seen eating Twistburgers and chatting with Glenn at the Twist Drive-In in Watford City.

He is survived by three sisters: Marian (Dan) Wenker of Henderson, NV; Ann (Ron) Stewart and family of Rockton, IL; and Jean (Mike) Anderson of Johnstown, CO. Two nieces: Tracey (Frank) Reddig Camacho of Puebla, Mexico; and Amy (Damon) of Granite Bay, CA. Great nieces and nephews include: Katrina, Jack and Drake Camacho; and Brenna, Vivian, Julia and Alec Riley.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Magnus and Fannie Walla.

The family would like to thank the Farland community for their love and support. In addition, the family would like to acknowledge two special friends: Jim’s roommate, Bob Drake who has been a kind friend and caregiver; and Wayne Johnson who called Jim faithfully every morning for decades.

Memorial Contribution

In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family requests memorials be made to the American Cancer Society.

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Rev Dean J Iverson (Ferndale, Washington)
Oct 18, 2016

One of the many blessings in my life was the gift of James Walla as a dear friend. In many ways Jim was one of my mentor's. I was blessed to have him as a neighbor growing up and a dear friend all these years. God bless the memory of James.

Falon Justice (williston, North Dakota)
Oct 18, 2016

One of the sweetest and kindest men I've had the honor of knowing. He will be missed.

Gladys Stenberg (Minot, ND)
Oct 18, 2016

My sympathy to the family. I will be praying for you.

James Anderson (Belgrade, Montana)
Oct 18, 2016

I am so sorry to hear of my grade school friend leaving us. We had some fun times together Jim and I will always cherish your memory. My condolence to all the Walla family. Jim has gone home.

Jerry Mathistad (Alliance, Nebraska)
Oct 19, 2016

Sorry to hear the news of Jim's passing. I remember the summers in the hay field working with Jim, bowling together, and the times he would stop by the house to visit. I can just picture his pickup parked at the Twist. Jim was such a nice guy. My sympathy to the family.

Don and Sharon(Stenberg) Zubke (Dickinson, ND)
Oct 19, 2016

Sorry to hear of your loss. May God surround you with His comfort in the days and month ahead.

Michelle Haugen (Williston, ND)
Oct 19, 2016

I am saddened to hear of Jim's passing. I have many fond memories of going out to the farm with my dad when I was young and spending hours with Jim and Fannie. I learned to drive a tractor there and we bought my first car from him. Jim was always one of my favorite customers while I worked at the Chuck Wagon in Watford City. He was a kind soul and will be missed.

frank trout (auburn ,, wa.)
Oct 19, 2016

I really like james

Carolyn (Skari) Hockridge
Oct 20, 2016

I was so sorry to hear of James's passing. There are many happy childhood memories of James. There were also the times I enjoyed coffee with James, Fannie, and Magnus. There was so many stories and laughter.

Dennis Vernon (Bismarck, ND)
Oct 20, 2016

When I grew up on my Uncle Iner's farm I used to see James often. He was the nicest , kindest person I think I ever knew!!! May our Lord and Savior be with you !!! Dennis Vernon

Ralph and Debby Skoglund
Oct 20, 2016

Our sincere sympathy to James family our thoughts and prayers are with you

Karen & Troy Leiseth (Arnegard, ND)
Oct 26, 2016

Jim was a neighbor of my husbands for many years when he lived in Arnegard. I knew Jim from working at the Twist Drive In when I was in high school. He was the sweetest, kindest man. Always had that chocolate sundae! He was a joy to visit with. I have thought of him often over the years when I drive past the area where his home was.

Mark Kueffler
Oct 27, 2016

My Dad (Jack Akovenko) always brightened telling stories of him and Jim driving all the way to Williston for a piece of strawberry pie. I too, had the blessing of working for Jim one or two harvests seasons, loved t. Never could pass by the twist drive-in. A very kind soul

Neil Lewis (Camarillo,, CA)
Nov 5, 2016

Thank you Jim for becoming my first nephew when Ellen Walla and I were married in 1953. We have had a long-time friendship and strong family love all of the years of your life and of mine, too.
Thank you for allowing me to care for your second home in Henderson, NV until it sold in September, Thank you too, Marian and Dan -Jean and Mike
My sons, Arlan, Steve, and I thank you for remembrances of Jim.
Neil Lewis,.,,,,,,,,,,

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Family

Reverend Dean J. Iverson