Jim Kary

Jim Kary, 84, of Killdeer, ND, Prior Lake, MN, and Harrisburg, NC, passed away peacefully on April 24, 2026. Born on January 16, 1942, in Killdeer, Dunn County, ND, Jim is survived by his wife of 62 years, Diane Kary; his daughter Suzy Whitt, her husband Michael, and his grandchildren Zoe and Sadie of NC; his son Brian Kary, his wife Beth, and his grandchildren Emelia and Jakob of MN. He is also survived by his dear sisters: Janice Miller and husband Don; Sharon Nelson; Doreen Strom and husband Glenn; Shirley Ortman and husband Jim; Diane Fischer and husband Tom; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Jim was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved grandson Carter who we know he’s now driving tractors with in heaven.

Jim was raised on his family homestead in Killdeer, ND, where endless experiences and stories of old west farm life easily equaled those in Little House on the Prairie. After marrying Diane in 1963, he graduated from Dickinson State College then joined the U.S. Navy in 1964, serving as an aviator and flight instructor with a tour in Vietnam in 1966 where he flew anti-submarine patrol in the P-3 over the Gulf of Tonkin. Jim continued flying the P-3 in the Naval Reserves, retiring as a Commander in 1985. He lived for many years in Apple Valley and Prior Lake, MN working as a pilot for Northwest Airlines until 2002. Jim enjoyed a long retirement, spending his days mowing fields, tending his horses, and driving tractors with his grandkids on his hobby farm. Jim easily shined his brightest as a pilot and grandpa. He spent his last five years being cared for in NC.

Jim will be dearly missed but we’re grateful for his long life and finding peace after dementia. The family will have a private memorial in the future. In memorium and in lieu of flowers, please consider supporting the Alzheimer’s Association.

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