James D. ‘JD’ Ross, 85

James Dade “JD” Ross was born March 1, 1936 in Schell City, MO to Martin and Christine Ross. He went to grade school and graduated high school in Crookston. On his 18th birthday he left for Cape Cod, MA to serve in the U.S. Air Force for four years. JD was honorably discharged and came back to Crookston to help his dad with the gas station business. On June 8, 1958, he married Kathryn Starkjohann and in that union they had a son, Mike, and a daughter, Kay. On October 31, 1967 they moved from Valentine to Sparks to live in the house he built on the ranch where Kathryn grew up. There they raised their children, cattle, and quarter horses, which is what he was most passionate about.

He sold mineral feed and worked at the Valentine sale barn for several years. Amongst JD’s many hobbies, he always loved team roping with his son at rodeos and jackpots, fishing with the neighbors, and leather working. He always looked forward to having his grandson, Tell, help hay in the summers along with his other grandkids helping halter break the foals from the quarter horses he raised.

He and Kathryn enjoyed traveling to ball games, rodeos, and birthday parties to support the grandkids but for many years, their most loved time together was their trip to Branson, MO in the fall.

Survivors that cherished their time with JD include his wife, Kathryn, son, Mike (Paula) of Wellfleet. Their daughter Bailey (Jake) Warren with their kids Pryce, Paityn, and Pratt. Step children Brittany Masters and Brett (Chantelle) Colburn with their kids Harper and Alphonse. Daughter, Kay (Jerry) Stoner of Kilgore and their children, Shara (Trent) Ford with their kids Bentley, T.C., and Brekyn, Cody Stoner and Jodi Mosher, Tell Stoner and Emily Hollopeter with their kids Hallee and Talon, Kylee (Cord) Hesseltine with their daughter Adaline, and Tyce Stoner.

JD was preceded in death by his parents Martin and Christine Ross, special cousin Judy Kosko, and long time friend Jim Epke. JD passed away July 16, 2021 at his home in Sparks.

Graveside services were held at Mount Hope Cemetery July 22, 2021 in Valentine. Sandoz Chapel of the Pines was in charge of funeral arrangements.