Jim Nagel, 68, Garrison, formerly of Bismarck, died on Saturday at the Garrison Hospital. Funeral services will be held on Thursday at 10:30 am at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Garrison. Burial will be at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery in rural Mandan at 2:00 pm.

James "Jim" Lee Nagel was born October 11, 1948 in Kulm, N.D. to Elda and Harry Nagel. His parents divorced when he was a young boy, growing up on the family farm North of Lehr with his mother and step-father Theodore Erbele. He graduated from Lehr High School in1966, and joined the Army. A year later, he married Blanche (Sayler). He was stationed at the Redstone Arsenal Army Base, Huntsville, AL, at which time he focused his education and training on electronic engineering. Upon receiving his Honorable Discharge, he returned to his North Dakota roots and went to work for Northwestern Bell in Fargo, ND. In 1978 he received a promotion and transferred with Northwestern Bell to Bismarck, N.D., where he worked and lived until his retirement.

Jim enjoyed life to the fullest and was an avid outdoorsman. His passion was fishing walleye on the Missouri River and Lake Sakakawea, as well as hunting pheasants, and white tail deer. His passion for North Dakota outdoors, energized him to become President of the Bis-Man Reel & Rec. He also turned his hobby into a business; starting Dakota Fins, Feathers, and Tails Guide Service, creating memories and enjoyment for many people by taking them walleye fishing as well as hunting pheasants, ducks and geese. His English Springer's, Slick & Gunner and Black Labradors, Sabre & J.J. were always by his side, and thoroughly spoiled. He also enjoyed the competitiveness of league bowling, and even managed to bowl a perfect game on November 27, 2007, at Midway Lanes, Bismarck, N.D. His other favorite past times were cheering on the Green Bay Packers, and San Antonio Spurs.

What was most enjoyable to him was spending quality time with his children and grandchildren, especially taking them fishing, more like (catching) on Lake Sakakawea, and Lake Audubon. He spent many summers camping at the Stoney Hill RV Park and in 2007 purchased it.
He is survived by his wife, Blanche, daughter Lisa (Jim Schroeder) San Antonio, TX, son Brady (Cara Nagel) Eau Claire, WI, three grandchildren, Cassandra Schroeder, Cody Schroeder, Lauren Nagel, mother Elda, step-mother Patti (Aldon). Brothers Jack (Beth) Erbele, Jeff (Candi) Erbele, Joel Nagel, Jay Nagel, Sister, Janelle (Jared) Holsing.

He was preceded in death by his father Harry, step-father Theodore, brother, Jamie Nagel, Mother-in-law Lydia, Father-in-law Edwin, brother-in-law's Barry Peterson and Andrew Mosset, and Sister-in-law Norma Sayler.

In lieu of flowers the family prefers memorials to the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery or the Bis-Man Reel and Rec program.