James Ceynar, age 39 of Melvin, Iowa, formerly of Watford City, ND passed away at Sanford Health Saturday, August 19, 2017, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Fulkerson Stevenson Funeral Home of Watford City is assisting the family.

James Alan Ceynar, affectionately known as “Bubba” by family and friends was born in Stanley ND on May 23, 1978 to Ruth and Keith Ceynar Sr. He is the middle child of three. He was known for his big curly fro that no brush could tame. Hence he became his parents little “wild man”. He spent large portions of his summers growing up at his grandparent’s lake trailer at the New Town Marina. Here he would feed Grandma Violet’s semi tame gophers from his hand, ride 3 Wheelers, play in the mud and swim for hours. He attended New Town Elementary school until the Ceynar family relocated to Arnegard, ND in the mid 80’s.

He attended the remainder of Elementary/Middle School and High School in Watford City, ND. He participated in football and wrestling before graduating in 1997.

During this time James grew into the big burly teddy bear that became our “Bubba”. Even at this young age he was the protector and helper for his family.

After a year at tech school and a couple miscellaneous jobs he decided to follow his Dad into the world of over the road truck driving. He drove for Mellik Trucking and Kinn Trucking before moving onto the oil field. There he worked for Halliburton and Busy Bee’s Hot Oil Inc. Those that have worked with him know you couldn’t have asked for somebody with a stronger work ethic.

James had relocated to Melvin Iowa to be closer to his siblings and nephew. This made it a lot easier for him to spend quality time with his nephew Eathen and to keep his siblings out of trouble.

He had a love of big boy toys including his Ford Raptor, Ford Mustang’s, and Polaris RZR Side by Side. He loved going off road and trail riding. If it wasn’t muddy by the end of it, you weren’t trying hard enough. Bubba also enjoyed his video games, which is a passion he shared with his Nephew Eathen.

Bubba also enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was lucky enough to spend this last summer fishing and camping with his parents and nephew in South Dakota.

Bubba passed away on August 19th at Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD due to sudden illness.
He is survived by his parents, Ruth and Keith Ceynar Sr., brother, Keith (Robbie) Ceynar Jr., sister, Donna Ceynar and nephews Eathen & Dalton Ceynar.

He was preceded in death by his - paternal grandparents, Violet & Raymond Ceynar and his maternal grandparents, Kenneth Fairbanks & Donna Rielette

There are no words that can express the loss that his family and friends are feeling. We love and miss him. Bubba will always be in our hearts as he continues to watch over us.