James Joseph VonBank

James Joseph VonBank was born in Buffalo ND on January 15, 1941. He passed away Tuesday, August 21, 2024 at Lyngblomsten in Lino Lakes. James "Jim" VonBank was born to Henry and Hattie (Nilles) VonBank. He graduated from Buffalo High School before heading to North Dakota State University (NDSU) for his undergraduate and later Master's degree in mathematics and education. As a lifelong NDSU fan he cheered and watched his favorite college team, the Bison, achieve multiple football championships. On June 13, 1964, Jim and Nancy (Helgerson) were united in marriage at Holy Spirit Church in Fargo, ND. Together they enjoyed their time at NDSU earning their Master's Degrees in teaching. They lived in several cities in Minnesota before settling in North Oaks, MN. They taught at Centennial Middle & High Schools for 30+ years. Jim was a favorite 7th grade math teacher at Centennial, where he had an amazing ability to make math fun and digestible regardless of his students' learning styles. A dedicated father, Jim and Nancy adopted their first child, Jen from Colombia in 1978. Their second, David, was also born in Colombia and adopted in 1982. Jim's sister had a great opinion about her obituary: "Anyone who knows me, knows what I have done and anyone who doesn't know me, doesn't care." Jim always looked up to his big sister, and would have agreed. Anyone who had known Jim would agree that he was kind, patient, soft spoken, and selfless. Important family memories of Jim:  As an avid sports fan - Jim loved watching and participating in all sports. From playing basketball, baseball, and football growing up, to playing basketball at NDSU to watching his grandchildren play their favorite sports - he was a lifelong supporter. You always knew he was in your corner cheering you on.  He loved all things math. He would spend hours helping with school homework  A part-time fisher, his yearly fishing trips brought back delicious catches  (He had a love for) photography and caught many of life's moments with his favored Nikons  Family trips each summer  Family reunions in North Dakota  An avid runner for over 30 years he passed this passion on to his kids  In retirement he developed a love for cooking. His Christmas lasagna was a special tradition  He loved to read and had a veritable library on a variety of subjects  His family - there was definitely banter as to who was his favorite kid/grandchildren and he assured all of us he loved everyone equally After a rewarding time teaching Jim and Nancy retired and started traveling more often. They especially loved the bus tours to the West going to their favorite National Parks. Their time in retirement went too fast. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Jim and Nancy were married for 60 years. Jim is survived by his wife Nancy, Lino Lakes and two children Jen (Steve) Papineau, Ham Lake and David VonBank, Florida; and his beloved grandchildren Gabriella, Luciana and D'Alessandro. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00am (visitation begins at 10:00am), Thursday, September 5 at St. Odilia Catholic Church, 3495 North Victoria, Shoreview MN. Interment in the Saint Odilia Prayer Garden. Jim was preceded in death by his parents: Henry and Hattie (Nilles) Von Bank; siblings: Delores (Dick) Lambert, Marian (Harold) Kasowski, Donald Von Bank, Bob Von Bank and Ralph Von Bank.

Tributes

James Joseph VonBank

January 15, 1941 - August 21, 2024

Tributes

James Joseph VonBank

January 15, 1941 - August 21, 2024

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