In Loving Memory of a Life Well Lived. With heavy hearts and endless love, our family announces the passing of an extremely remarkable man—James Robert Amundson- a father, grandfather, friend, mentor, and the quiet strength behind so many lives he touched. Born on January 2, 1947, and passing on November 14, 2025, he lived 78 meaningful years defined by hard work, grand adventures, and a deep devotion and loyalty to the people he loved.
He was a man who carried stories in his hands—calloused from decades of labor, steering wheels, tools, crane levers, and the kind of skilled work that builds both community and character. Whether he was at the helm of a boat or barge, running cranes, fixing something no one else could fix, welding, or simply sharing space with the people who mattered most, he lived with an honesty and steadiness that anchored everyone around him.
Family meant everything to him. He was the kind of dad who showed love through dedication, hard work, and reliabiliy. He always gave a warm smile with genuine hugs, a clever joke, or a helping hand with suggested tips. And he loved sharing adventures through airplane rides, long drives, fishing trips, and traveling the world by creating stories that turned into cherished memories. He had a unique gift for making anyone chuckle with his quick wit.
To his children, Michael Amundson, Stephanie Amundson, and Jaime Amundson, and grandchild MaraLeigh Yeasley, he was a compass—consistently pointing them toward resilience, responsibility, intelligence and kindness. To friends and neighbors, he was a dependable presence, always willing to lend time, skill, or share good conversation. And to every person fortunate enough to meet him, he offered authenticity, humor, and an old-school wisdom that can’t be taught.
He lived with a gentle toughness, a quiet but hilarious humor, and a soul built from equal parts grit and tenderness. Even in his later years, he found joy in simple things: sitting by his fireplace, outdoors admiring his garden, spending time with family, telling stories, giving advice, and watching life unfold around him.
Though he has left this world, his spirit remains stitched tightly into the lives he shaped. His legacy will continue through the lessons he taught, the love he gave, and the memories we carry forward—each one a reminder of the father, grandfather, and friend we were beyond blessed to have.
He is deeply loved, endlessly missed, and forever remembered.
May he rest in peace.
