Funeral services for James Edward "Jim" Colliton, 78, of Moorhead, MN will be on Thursday, December 27, 2007 at 11:30 a.m. at the Hettinger Lutheran Church with visitation starting at 10:30 at the church. Rev. Kathleen Dettmann will officiate and burial will follow at the Hettinger Cemetery.

James Edward Colliton was born to Hildegard (Neppl) and Edward Colliton on November 5th, 1929 at Kent, Minnesota. Jim grew up in Kent, and was educated in Kent and Breckenridge, MN. He excelled in sports through high school and into college. Jim lettered in track at NDSU where he graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering. Jim was in ROTC during college and entered the Air Force after graduation where he received his Korean Service Medal.

Jim and Charlotte (Engen) Colliton were married on September 23, 1955 in Moorhead Minnesota. They moved to Los Angeles, California where Jim worked for Douglas Aircraft, later for a company that made Thor missiles and was transferred to Lakenheath Air Force Base, London, England. In the 1960's Jim and Charlotte returned to Moorhead where Jim worked for W.W. Wallworks and Acme Welding. Jim worked in the sales department and his friendly personality made him successful in that field. He transferred to Minneapolis and Red Wing Minnesota for several years.

In the 1980's Jim and Charlotte moved to Bismarck, North Dakota and then retired to Moorhead. Jim liked to keep busy and came out of retirement to work for Clad-Tech of Mandan, ND while they maintained residence in Moorhead. Jim also started a company called Dakota Sports that handled promotional items for many businesses across the state.

He volunteered his time at the Fargo Air Museum and would help his daughter-in-law during the Christmas season at the Lone Star Steakhouse in Fargo selling gift certificates. Jim liked people and seemed to know everyone. It was always a family joke that no matter where he went he ran into someone he knew. Jim enjoyed golf, was an avid fisherman and a big Minnesota Viking and Twins fan. He and his son, Kevin spent many hours in the boat and on the ice waiting for the ''big one". Jim was very active with his kids growing up camping and fishing, and with his grandsons, Mack and Tommy, gardening and feeding the birds. Jim was very close to his son Kevin and daughter-in-law Kim and daughter Pat and son-in-law Rob. After Jim came to stay in Hettinger due to his illness, Tommy spent many hours 'taking care of Grandpa Jim' and watching cartoons with him. Mack and Grandpa Jim enjoyed the Viking games together and Mack read to him nearly every night.

Jim passed away on December 22, 2007 at his daughter's home in Hettinger, ND. He leaves behind his wife Charlotte, Moorhead, MN, son Kevin and daughter-in-law Kim, both of Lincoln, NE. Daughter Pat (Buckmier), son-in-law Rob and loving grandsons, Mack and Tommy all of Hettinger, ND, brother Robert of Vernon, CT, and brother Patrick (Rae) of Fargo, ND.