James (Jim) Robert Vandal, son of Bill and Marie (Guilbert), husband of Sara Sue (Krick), and father of Shawn, Bill, Blake, Becky and Carmen, died at home at the age of 83 on May 20, 2023, following a struggle with cancer.  A private memorial service will be held.

Jim was born and raised in Rolla, North Dakota. He graduated from Rolla High School in 1957. After high school, he served three years in the U.S. Army, after which he moved to Minneapolis and attended the Dunwoody Institute for two years. Jim worked as an optician for over 30 years. He was employed by Wallman Optical, Pearl Vison, Dr. Clark in Cavalier, ND and finished his career with Valley Vison Clinic in Grand Forks.

He was a wonderful husband, father and cook. Jim prepared many holiday meals with his trusty taste tester (Sara Sue) never too far from his side.  He enjoyed being a grandfather, had a wonderful sense of humor, was a quiet person, but had the most unique facial expressions. His work ethic was second to none and he set a good example for his children on what it takes to make an honest living. He enjoyed many of his summers at South Twin Lake with family and campground friends.

At the lake, he was a master with the fly swatter and made sure the screen door on the camper didn't stay open too long. He could often be heard across the campground uttering this ever-famous campground phrase, "Jesus Christ, in or out". He enjoyed watching Gunsmoke and The Weather Channel. His contagious laugh and striking smile will be greatly missed.

Jim is survived by his wife, Sara Sue (Krick), with whom he shared 58 wonderful years, as well as his grown children Shawn (Lisa), Bill (Ramona), Blake (Michele), Becky and Carmen (Matt Waller). He was proud of his ten grandchildren Jakob, Zach, Sam, Dylan, Wyatt, Taylor, Jack, Brookelyn, Paul and Kennedy. Jim is also survived by his siblings Andy, Yvonne Morman, Bonnie Moquin (Doug), Beverly Cote (Dennis), Bob, David (Alice), Perry (Laura), sister-in-law Julie Vandal, brother-in-law Jimmy (Deanna) Krick and sister-in-law Vernie Krick.

He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, his brother Bernard, brothers-in-law Dave Mormon and Tommy Krick, sisters-in-law Grace Vandal and Jackie Vandal.