James “Jim” Schilling, 86, of Turtle Lake died on Monday, June 22, 2026, in Mandan, ND. Funeral service will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church, Turtle Lake, ND on Friday, June 26, 2026, at 10:30 AM. Burial will be in Turtle Lake Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior at the church.

Jim was born on April 23, 1940, in Turtle Lake, North Dakota, he lived a life marked by resilience, hard work, dedication to ranching, and a deep love for family and community.

At the age of 15, Jim experienced a life-changing farm accident that resulted in the loss of his arm. Despite this challenge, he never allowed it to define him. Through determination and perseverance, he graduated from Turtle Lake High School in 1958 and went on to attend Dunwoody Technical Institute in Minnesota, earning a degree in welding. He later began a career in the construction industry.

In 1965, Jim sold a team of horses, bought a ring, and married the love of his life, Bonnie Gartner. Together, they built a life centered around family and ranching. After their marriage, they moved to a farm north of Turtle Lake, where they milked cows. A few years later, they relocated to the Lindell Farm, where they continued milking cows, raising cattle, and farming grain. Ranching was more than a profession for Jim; it was a lifelong passion.

In his early years, Jim was actively involved in the farming community. He was a member of the North Dakota Stockmen’s Association and served on the Brand Board. He also served on the McLean Electric Cooperative Board and the Farmers Union Board of Turtle Lake.

In 1986, Jim and Bonnie purchased the Turtle Lake Sales Barn and operated it for approximately five years. Following that venture, Jim hauled cattle for area farmers before later working as a heavy equipment operator for Ames Construction. He concluded his working career as a security guard at Falkirk Mining Company.

Even after retiring from farming, Jim’s love for livestock never faded. He was a familiar face at the local sale barn, where he enjoyed spending Wednesdays visiting with friends, watching cattle move through the ring, and staying connected to the agricultural community he loved. In Turtle Lake, it was also common to spot Jim cruising through town on his golf cart, often on his way to visit family, catch up with friends, or simply enjoy a ride around the community he called home. In free time he also enjoyed fishing with his son Steve and his good friends.

Jim was known for his strong work ethic, quick wit, and gift for conversation. He could strike up a conversation with anyone and often had a humorous comeback ready when it was least expected. He loved gathering with family, whether for holidays, celebrations, or simple visits, and cherished the relationships he built throughout his life.

Above all, Jim will be remembered for his determination and strength. He faced life’s challenges with courage and never backed down from a fight, whether in good health or poor. His resilience, shaped by a lifetime of hard work and perseverance, left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.

He is survived by his loving wife, Bonnie (Gartner) Schilling; his son, Steve Schilling; and his daughter, Barb (Keith) Suko and his sister-in-law Darlene Schilling. He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren, Paige (Adam) Melom and Brooke (Zac) Tague; and his beloved great-grandchildren, Asher and Cooper Melom, and Bodhi Tague. Along with many nieces and nephews that were loved by him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jacob and Gladys Schilling; his siblings, Shirley (Leonard) Klain, Roger (Leatrice) Schilling, and Duaine Schilling.

Jim’s family will remember him as a loving husband, father, grandfather, farmer, and friend whose legacy of hard work, humor, and love for family will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew him.