Jim Stroup, 82, of Washburn, North Dakota, passed away peacefully on April 9, 2026, at Sanford Hospital, Bismarck, North Dakota. Funeral service will be at First Lutheran Church, Washburn, ND on Tuesday, April 14,2026, at 10:00 AM.

Jim was born on June 2, 1943, in Mercer County, North Dakota, to Robert Lee Stroup and Lillian (Pridt) Stroup.

Jim grew up in Hazen, North Dakota and graduated from Hazen High School where he was an avid athlete in football, basketball, and track and field. Jim received a degree in Business Administration – Banking and Finance from the University of North Dakota where he was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) fraternity.

Jim married LaVonne Schlender on April 24, 1965, in Hazen, North Dakota. Together they raised three wonderful children and built a life in Washburn. Jim began his career in Washburn as a teller at the Farmers Security Bank and retired from banking as the Executive Vice President. Jim was very active in the community as a member of the Civic Club, Elks Club, Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, founding member of the Painted Woods Golf Course and served as Mayor of Washburn for several years.

Jim enjoyed all sports and loved attending his children and grandchildren’s sporting events. His knowledge and enjoyment of football lead him to volunteer his time as an announcer for the Washburn High School Cardinal football team through his son’s high school career and many years beyond. He continued to attend many high school football, basketball, and baseball games. Jim had his own designated parking spot for the baseball game and everyone knew when he was there. He thoroughly loved spending time outdoors with family and friends golfing, hunting, and fishing.

Jim was a devoted husband to his loving wife of 60 years, LaVonne. He is survived by his children Julie (Jeff) Hruby, Cedar Park, Texas; Sheri (Rich) Jahner, Surprise, Arizona; and Tim Stroup, Aurora, Colorado. His grandchildren, Jared and Zach, Trace (Carly) and Maris, Maddy and Bella and great-grandchildren, Leonardo, Taedum, Beckham, Baya, and Jett.

He was preceded in death by Robert and Lillian Stroup (parents), Robert Stroup II (brother), Ed Vinje (brother-in-law) and Colletta Stroup (sister-in-law).

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude for the exceptional care Jim received from the Washburn Clinic, Washburn Ambulance, and the wonderful staff in the Comfort Care Unit at Sanford Hospital. Jim’s children are also eternally grateful for the amazing Washburn community who truly look out for one another. I’m sure people will notice the absence of his daily trips around town.

The gophers in McLean County are now safe and will be in abundance. Jim hopes someone will take over gopher patrol duty.

In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to the Washburn Volunteer Ambulance, Washburn American Legion Baseball or Ducks Unlimited.