James Teie Tronson, 84, of Doyon, ND, died Monday, December 3, 2007 at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND.

Jim was born March 18, 1923 in Hatton, ND, the son of Richard and Pearl (Teie) Tronson. Jim graduated from Hatton High School and attended Luther College in Decorah, Iowa until he enlisted in the Army Air Corps in December 1942. Jim was a ball turret gunner on the B-17. He was shot down on his 13 th mission. After bailing out, Jim was found by the French underground and hid for 5 months until Paris was liberated. Jim maintained a friendship with these special people for 60 plus years. Jim was the last WWII escapee in North Dakota. After he was discharged from the Air Corps he owned and operated Tronson Grain of Doyon for 61 years. Jim married Geneva L. Berg of Hatton, ND, on November 7, 1944. They lived in Doyon and raised their three children. Jim was always an avid fisherman and hunter. He was involved in many community activities and was a member of the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Doyon, American Legion, Elks Club, Air Forces Escape and Evasion Society, and Lakota Golf Club. Jim's wife Geneva passed away September 22, 1997.

James is survived by his daughters, Patty Schumacher, Fargo, ND, and children Daena, Scott, and Chad, Jane (Jim) Liska, Doyon, ND, and children Ann and Brian, and his son Rick (Julie) Tronson, Doyon, ND, and children Tucker and Alexa; two brothers, Donald and David of Doyon, ND. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Jim's Funeral Service will be held at the Lakota Lutheran Church of Lakota, ND, on Friday, December 7, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. Officiating will be Pastor Don Reynolds. Music will be provided by Paulette Frith. Interment will be in the Bethlehem Cemetery at Doyon. Casketbearers will be Paul Tronson, Steve Tronson, Mick Tronson, Gary Tronson, Terry Aronson, and Todd Aronson. Military Honors will be conducted by the Rundell-Holicky American Legion Post # 21 of Lakota. Visitation will be held at the Aaker Funeral Home of Lakota, ND, on Thursday, December 6, 2007 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue at the church on Friday, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.