James Frederick Ottesen

James Ottesen, 82 formally of Sunray, passed away Monday, April 11, 2022. Services are scheduled for 1 o’clock in the afternoon on Thursday, May 5, 2022, at First United Methodist Church with Pastor David McGaughy, officiating. Burial will follow at Lane Memorial Cemetery in Sunray under the direction of Beeson Morrison Funeral Directors.  The family will receive friends from 5 o'clock until 7 o'clock in the evening on Wednesday, May 4, at the funeral home in Dumas.

James was born on March 27, 1940, in Clarks Grove, MN to Clarence and Bernice Hanson Ottesen. James attended school in Ellendale, MN. James married Kathleen Sweeney in November of 1963 and to this union two sons were born. After the end of that marriage, James married Betty Holtz Evenson on January 9, 1970. Betty had four sons and the couple became instant blended family. To this union their only daughter was born. James and Betty were married for 41 years until her passing.

James was a farmer, pig farmer and truck driver in his early life. He was a founding partner of Evenson Trucking, the business he built with his wife and his sons, and worked until his retirement in 1992. He later went back to the trucking business as he truly loved to just be working.

James enjoyed the fellowship of family and friends.  He enjoyed traveling, fishing trips, golfing, and playing cards. James was an avid reader. He loved to read Louie L'Amour books and often traded books with his daughter in law. He also was an animal lover. He bred and raised dogs and had a passion for horses.

James was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Betty, son Kenneth Evenson, daughter in law Patricia Ottesen, grandson Christian Ottesen, two great grandsons: Alex and Benjamin Wheeler, a sister June Lageson and a brother Eugene Ottesen.

James is survived by one daughter Kristin and son in law Larry Myers of Amarillo TX, five sons: Michael Ottesen and wife Margarita of San Lorenzo, CA, Tim Ottesen of Spartanburg, SC, Alan and wife Julie Evenson of Fort Worth, TX, Jerry and wife Marcia Evenson of Dumas, TX, Robert and wife Debbie of Amarillo, TX, and his daughter in law Peggy Evenson of Canyon TX. His 17 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren, and 2 great great grand children. James is also survived by his six sisters: Phyliis Anderson, Marge Wobshall, Ruth Sather, Kathy and husband Paul Underland, Eileene Bergaland, Elizabeth and husband Rick Wangsness and one brother Merlin and wife Gail Ottesen.

Memorials may be made to BSA Hospice of the Southwest, 5211 SW 9th Ave Suite 100, Amarillo, TX 79106 or the First United Methodist Food Bank.