James Richard Gellings

James Richard Gellings, age 44, journeyed to the spirit world on Friday, November 1st, 2024, from Essentia Health Care in Fargo, ND. He was born on November 28, 1979, in Minneapolis, MN, the son of Gloria (LaMorie) and James E. Gellings.

Born in Hennepin County Minneapolis, he was raised by James “Jimbo” Gellings & and Lori Gellings. In his early years he attended St Peters Evangelical Lutheran church and school in Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin as a kid before making MN as his home. He went to high school in Bemidji MN and (middle) Bug-O-Nay-Ge-Shig School in Bena MN. While spending time near Walker and Onigum he worked in construction near the Hinkley area for some years with his then father-in-law “chick” Oothoudt and loved working on projects anyone needed help with at any time throughout his life. He earned his GED while spending some time away but also learned some carpentry and steel work as well. Throughout many years James lived and traveled to many reservations and cities being there for everyone he crossed his path with. He began work in the fast-food chains and factories around Thief River Falls area following release for some time before settling in the Mahnomen area where he bartended and waited at the Shooting Star Casino. Many knew him to be on the “beer cart” or in the Mustang lounge. He was proud to be able to do a good job at anything he did and loved working on projects anyone needed help with at any time throughout his life. He had a way of being a part of anything his company had going on close and far and as needed. Especially enjoying hilarious times laughs and jokes with friends and family. A devoted family man with a genuine good heart known to so many as being funny and having humor that you don’t find anymore. Him and his brother George “Jorge” “juicy taco” spent many years together throughout life meeting up and finding one another as well as many other special cousins and friends, many that he has now joined. His cousin Randall “handles” was usually near and close to Jim in his later years. Many can recall partying or celebrating times with jay g throughout all the years, he could tell you a memory or joke to cheer you up if needed. Jay g was known for staying where he laid his hat, traveling and visiting. even taking spontaneous trips across the country. Jay g was always so proud of his tattoo “boot leg trip” from his longest and most memorable trip at times. He was everyone’s baby, he was given the name baby Jim by his special auntie Georgia Santerno. And remained a true brotha around the way for so many people over the years. James was reunited with his mother gloria and more siblings and special nieces and nephews. James was first able to learn how to be a father to his stepson Jeremiah Neeland in 2006, although far away at times his heart knew no different, that was his son. Jeremiah “miah” gave Jay g his first grandchild, Skye. Born into the world one month before passing. His first daughter was born, a beautiful baby girl Analise with Danielle in 2014 and he spent much of his time after that being a father, uncle, brother, friend, son and most of all, a confidant for more people than many could never know

Those greeting James in the spirit world are his mom, Lori Stone-Gellings; brothers, George “Juicy Taco” Thompson, Jr., Randall “Ran Man” Jones, Joseph “Dodoz” Campbell, Jr.; grandmas, Elizabeth “Peggy” Reese and Bernadine Stone; auntie, Georgia Santerno; and best friend, Melissa “Middlez” Keezer.

Those James leave behind to forever cherish his memory are his dad, James E. Gellings; mom, Gloria “Jeanie” LaMorie; significant other, Danielle Bjerk; son, Jeremiah (Lexi) Neeland; daughter, Analise Gellings; brothers, Jesse Gellings, Glen LaMorie, Steve LaMorie, Harvey Nicholas, Danny Corbine; special brother, Tyler Coleman; sisters, Natasha Gellings (Dominic LaFriniere), Jennifer LaMorie, Ginny Pedersen, Azalea Stone, Cheyanne Oppegaard; granddaughter, Skye Neeland; aunt. Fena Reese; special nieces, Ranae LaMorie and Mary (Shawn) LaMorie; special nephews, Shannon Burnette III, Douglas LaFriniere, Joseph Roberts II; special cousins, Chuck Romero and Desi Thompson; dearest friend, Dawn Kier; numerous family members and friends.

A two-night wake for James will begin on Friday, November 8th, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. and continue until his traditional service 10:00 a.m., Sunday, November 10th, 2024, all to be held at the Naytahwaush Sports Complex, 2531 310th Ave. Naytahwaush, MN 56566. James Spiritual Advisor is Mike Bunker. Those helping to lay James to rest are Jesse Gellings, Sean Cochrane, Shannon Burnette III, Dennis Yellow, Dominic LaFriniere, and Ed Romero. Honorary pallbearers are James E. Gellings, Joe Yellow, Archie Yellow, Lorin Stone, Shawn LaFriniere, Christopher Stone, Chuck Romero, Jon Stone, Sr., Tyler Coleman, and Montana Roy. Interment will be in Old Agency Catholic Cemetery in Old Agency, MN, at a later date.

James’s care has been entrusted to Northern Peace Funeral Home of Walker, MN. Online condolences for the family may be left at www.northernpeace.com

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