James "Jim" Aas

James “Jim” V. Aas, 89, of Moorhead, MN, passed away Thursday, May 29, 2025, in Eventide on Eighth, Moorhead.

Jim was born November 9, 1935, in Alvarado, MN, the son of John and Emma (Karlstrom) Aas. He was raised on the family farm with his two brothers and sister. He graduated from Alvarado High School as the salutatorian in 1953 and soon after joined the Navy. He served his country honorably for three years. Jim was extremely proud to be a veteran and loved to share stories about his naval travels and experiences.

After being discharged from the Navy in 1956 he moved to Fargo, ND, and started working for Northwestern Bell (AT&T) where he worked as an equipment technician and later an engineer.

In 1993, Jim took early retirement from the phone company but did not stop working. He held many different positions post-retirement, including eight years helping on the Rostad Farm. He also drove school bus and worked for a courier making deliveries to nearby towns.

Jim was united in marriage to Ruth Burnside in 1958. They made their home in Moorhead where they raised their two daughters. Jim cared for Ruth with love and compassion after her MS diagnosis. He made a trailer to pull behind his bike so they could go for bike rides together. They enjoyed family camping trips and traveling. Ruth passed away in 1991.

In 1992, Jim married Marlene Trom. Together they shared the lives of four children, eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Jim loved being active and logged 1000’s of miles on his bike, riding back and forth to his workplace in Fargo. He did daily calisthenics, jogged and enjoyed swimming (especially with his grandkids). He and Marlene enjoyed going out dancing and taking bike trips with their tandem bike. Jim took up downhill skiing a bit later in life and traveled to Utah, Oregon and also Andie’s in Alexandria, MN, to ski.

Jim had a great talent for woodworking, and he passionately created one-of-a-kind pieces of furniture. Most members of his immediate and extended family have at least one of his handmade shelves, dressers, headboards, cabinets, or toy boxes (just to name a few).

Jim and Marlene traveled (mostly road trips) to all fifty states and also visited Japan, Germany and Norway. He made a “trip book” recording details of all their adventures together. Many miles were also traveled to watch grandchildren play basketball, football and other assorted activities.

Jim and Marlene are members of Christ the King Lutheran Church in Moorhead. Jim was a very active member of the congregation and volunteered washing dishes and cleaning.

Jim is survived by his wife of nearly 33 years, Marlene; children, Nancy (Lewis) Sego, Rockford, MN, Carol (Dave) Wheeler, Grand Forks, ND, and Carol Jo (Dennis) Stevenson, Elk River, MN; grandchildren, Preston (Rachel) Sego, Taylor (Ally) Sego, Jamie (Jeremy) Wheeler-Workman, Andi Wheeler, JoDee Wheeler, Ben (Ashtyn) Czeck, Ashleigh (Jared) Brittan, and DeVante Stevenson; great-grandchildren, Brody and Riley Brittan, Wren, Rowan and Woods Workman, Sonny Czeck, Ezra and Raya Sego; and several nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his first wife, Ruth; his parents; brothers, Ward (Maxine) Aas and Curtis Aas; sister, Jean Aas; and son, Mike Trom.

Jim’s life was a life well lived! He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all his family and friends!

Jim's Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, June 2, 2025 at 11 AM, in The Lutheran Church of Christ the King, Moorhead, MN, with a visitation one hour prior. Burial will be in Fargo National Cemetery, Harwood, ND, at a later date.

Jim's Celebration of Life will be live streamed, and can be viewed right here on his obituary page.

Arrangements by Korsmo Funeral and Cremation Service, Moorhead, MN.