James Ira Kassian

James Ira Kassian, 28, was taken from us far too soon on July 4, 2020. If you knew James, you know he went out with a bang, doing something he loved – riding his motorcycle. Cremation has taken place. There will be no services at this time. Instead, James will be put to rest next to his beloved Grandpa Red in California.

James was born on October 4, 1991 in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Katherine (LeDoux) Foster and Shannon Dean Marshall. When his mother remarried, he was proudly adopted by his father, Tom Kassian.

Fearless from a young age, James often gave his folks and friends thrills they are not likely to forget.

Caring and kind, James would help anyone who needed it. Funny and irreverent, no nonsense and hardworking, loving and loyal – James didn’t have a whole lot of “back-up” in him and stood firm in his opinions.

James touched a lot of people’s lives, not just his families. I know many of you can hear him right now saying, “Suck it up, buttercup” or “Get over it.” Well son, easier said than done.

After graduating from Wilton High School, James went on to train at the Firefighting Academy in Medina and proudly served in the National Guard. He was currently employed as the manager at Finish Line Products in Bismarck.

For all the many things James had done in life, his grandest achievement is his daughter, Ava.

James’ motto was: “Because I have a life” – love hard, live fast, be kind and stand by your family and friends.

Always mama’s cub, James stood tall as a man.

We’ll see ya kiddo.

He leaves behind his beautiful daughter, Ava Lynn Kassian, Bismarck; parents, Tom and Katy Kassian, Max, NE; brothers, Dillen Tapparo, Ft. Collins, CO, and Jonathan (Angel) Kassian, Max, NE; grandparents, Peter and Louyanne Kassian, Mandan; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

James was preceded in death by his grandpa, Jim “Red” LeDoux; grandma, Linda Stuhlmiller; and grammy, Patricia Bragdon-LaDoux.

In lieu of flowers, James would have liked you to donate to a local firefighter’s charity or organization.