James Richard Bergeson

James Richard Bergeson, born in Minneapolis, Minnesota on August 14, 1940 and died peacefully January 21, 2021 at his home in Spokane, Washington.

He was preceded in death by his parents Carl Monrad Bergeson and Marion Leona (Burgess) Bergeson, wife Katherine, son Boe, brother Donald and brothers-in-law Harold Thorsbakken, Sidney Ayers and Gary Yost.  He is survived by his daughter Christine MacDougall (Rick) in Duluth, Minnesota; sisters Leona Thorsbakken in Milaca, Minnesota, Betty-Jane Ayers in Houston, Texas, Ann-Marie Gere (Eugene) in Hugo, Minnesota and Carolyn Yost in Osceola, Wisconsin; granddaughter Nicole; grandson Rhys; and many other nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many dear friends and neighbors.

Jim is a graduate from Arizona State University in architecture and was the founder and owner of architectural firms in Duluth, Minnesota, and Spokane, Washington, and designed and supervised construction of many projects in a number of states around the country.  Over the years, many of his business clients became close and lifelong friends. He loved joining his son Boe in developing projects together.  Jim was an avid fly-fisherman (particularly on the Lochsa River in Idaho) and enjoyed many experiences with friends and family; he also enjoyed the outdoors and God’s great creation.

Cremation service is being provided by Hennessey Valley Funeral Home in Spokane Valley, Washington.  Preferred memorials:  Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute, Northland College, Ashland WI; The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, Hagerstown, MD; The Radio Controlled Car Club of Spokane.

Jim’s memorial service will be streamed at 1:00 p.m. (Pacific Time Zone) on Wednesday, March 24, 2021 right here on Jim’s tribute page . The video will appear at 1:00 p.m. right below this obituary. The service will be available for viewing for 90 days after the service. You may share memories of Jim or leave condolences for his family on his Tribute Wall.