James “Jim” Roger Granberg, 84, Dickinson, ND, passed away on Tuesday, September 15, 2026 at St. Luke’s Home, Dickinson, ND. James’s Funeral Service be held at 11 a.m. CDT on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at Ray Lutheran Church in Ray, ND, with Pastor Mary Dickman Parris officiating. James will be laid to rest at Sunset Rest Cemetery in Ray following the service.

James Roger Granberg was born on July 1, 1942, in Seattle, WA, to Cliff and Kathy (Rupp) Granberg. Jim and his family lived in several communities before settling in Northwood, ND, when he was in eighth grade. His parents owned and operated the Johnson Store, where Jim worked throughout high school and into college. He was very active at Northwood High School and was a talented basketball player for the Trojans, as well as a standout athlete in football, baseball, and track.

Jim attended Mayville State University where he got his teaching degree. While there he met Bonnie Olson at a social event. They married in 1963 and were blessed with three children: Rendi Jo, Reed James and Lisa Jean. Their marriage would end in divorce.

Jim later met and married Marlys Tong in June 1982. They shared many happy years together until her death in February 2024. The couple traveled to several states and spent a few winters in Florida near Jim’s sister, Mary Ellen, and her husband, Tom.

Jim taught and coached in Cooperstown, Ray, Linton and Tioga. Tioga was home for Jim and Marlys. His years there were good and he coached many sports and would also fill in wherever needed. He had several successful girl’s basketball teams-never quite getting to the state tournament but coming pretty close.

He was a strict but fair teacher and was known by Mr. G to his many students.

Jim loved life! He enjoyed bowling, dancing, golfing, fishing, hunting, playing softball, and watching classic television shows, especially Gunsmoke and Bonanza. He loved music, particularly anything by Elvis, and was a devoted Minnesota Vikings and Twins fan. He could never get enough pinochle and played until the end. Most of all, he loved his grandchildren and was proud of each of them.

Jim was known for his quick wit and good humor. He often repeated his favorite stories, but he told them word for word, never changing a detail. Though he faced health challenges in recent years, his humor and wit remained. He will be deeply missed!

He is survived by his children Rendi (Travis) Olson, Dickinson, Reed (Shelly) Granberg, Hamilton, MT; and Lisa Granberg, Ray. Also missing him are his grandchildren: Logan, Halle, Reagan, Cooper, Mason, Austin, Hayden, Lucas, and Abby; great-grandson, Einar; niece and nephew, Sasha Rae and Troy Johnson; brother-in-law, Tom Franklin; mother-in-law, Joyce Tong; sisters-in-law, Arlene Sprinkle, Nancy Elliott, Teresa (Barry) Johnson, Judy (Alan) Knox, and Carrie (Leston) Johnson; brother-in-law, Roy (Lynn) Tong; and several nieces and nephews on the Tong side.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Marlys; his parents; sister and only sibling, Mary Ellen; and father-in-law, Roy Tong.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff for the wonderful care he received at St. Luke’s Nursing Home while living there.