James "Jim" K. Gebhardt

James "Jim" Gebhardt, 47, passed away on Friday, February 7, 2025, in Rochester, MN. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 1:00 PM on Friday, February 14, 2025 at Pro-Cathedral of St. Mary's Catholic Church, 825 E. Broadway Ave, Bismarck.  Visitation will be on Thursday from 5-7:00 PM at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck, with a prayer service starting at 7:00 PM. The services will be live streamed on this webpage.

Burial will be at St. Mary's Cemetery, Bismarck.

Jim Gebhardt was born on July 9, 1977, in Rugby, ND, to Kenneth and Diane Gebhardt. Growing up in Rugby, Jim developed a strong sense of community and family, values that stayed with him throughout his life. He graduated from Rugby High School in 1995 and pursued his passion for mechanics by earning a certificate in auto technology from Lake Region State College.

On July 5, 2002, Jim married the love of his life, Sara Dion, in Devils Lake, ND. Their journey together led them to Bismarck, where they built a home filled with warmth, laughter, and love. Their greatest joy came with the arrival of their two sons, William Joshua and Jack Isaac. Jim’s heart belonged to his boys; they were not just his pride and joy but his closest companions on countless outdoor adventures. He shared with them his passion for trap shooting, a gift that bonded them even more deeply.

Jim’s career reflected his dedication and strong work ethic. After college, he began working at Twete, Inc., before moving to Bismarck to be closer to Sara. He joined Wallwork Truck Center and later accepted a position with the North Dakota Department of Transportation in 2006, where he served as a mechanic and, most recently, as shop foreman.

Jim’s calm and quiet demeanor was a hallmark of his personality, but when he spoke, his words carried weight and sincerity. He had a natural ability to make friends and nurture those relationships, holding them close to his heart.

Jim had a special place in his heart for children. He never met a baby or child he didn’t like, and he connected with them almost instantly. Whether hunting, having tea parties, getting makeovers, or driving around drinking Mountain Dew, his time with his nieces and nephews was filled with joy and laughter.

A passionate trap shooter, Jim spent countless summer evenings at the Capital City Gun Club with friends, finding both camaraderie and peace in the sport. His love for trap shooting extended to mentoring youth; he was deeply committed to helping young shooters develop their skills and confidence. When Will and Jack started shooting, Jim made sure to practice more so he could still beat them. The smile on his face the first time each of them finally outshot him was priceless. In 2017, Jim became the Head Coach for Bismarck High School through the Missouri River Clay Target League and North Dakota Clay Target League. His leadership and dedication left a lasting impact on many young lives. He also served several years on the Capital City Gun Club Board of Directors, contributing to the growth and success of the club.

Jim’s heart found solace at Grandma Lavona’s farm, a place that symbolized peace, family, and cherished memories. Whether visiting for a quiet moment or sharing the land with friends and family during hunting trips, the farm remained a sanctuary of love and reflection in his life.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 22 years, Sara; his sons, William and Jack, who were the light of his life; his parents, Kenneth and Diane Gebhardt; his brothers, Trapis (Sheri) and Rusty (Shanna); and his nieces, Hadlee and Eastyn. He is also survived by his mother and father-in-law, Tom and Mary Dion; sisters-in-law, Amy Rader (Tom) and Katherine Ness (Kolby); brothers-in-law, Jeff Dion (Arlene), Joey Dion, and Bill Dion (Lexie); and nieces and nephews, Jacob, Matthew, and Anna Rader; Allison Odegard and Thomas Dion; Jolie Dion; Madelyn and Alex Dion; and Karley, Sadee, and Eli Ness.

He is preceded in death by his nephew, Garland Gaite Gebhardt; grandparents, Albina and Henry Erickson, and Garland and Lavona Gebhardt; and uncles, David Erickson, Richard Gross, Billy Alfstad, and Duane Olson.

Jim’s legacy lives on in the love he shared with his family and friends, the lessons he imparted to his sons, and the countless lives he touched through his kindness, mentorship, and unwavering spirit.