Jim Thormodsgard

James Newton Thormodsgard (Jim), 86, passed away peacefully into the arms of his Lord and Savior on May 23, 2026, leaving behind a profound legacy of devotion to his family, and a remarkable 50-year career in construction and manufacturing. He was genuinely kind, fair, even-tempered and open-minded and as such, served as a valued friend and mentor to all who knew him. He is now reunited with his beloved wife, Raquel Thormodsgard (Rickie), to whom he was married for 55 years until her passing in June of 2018, and his grandson, Jesse Pitonzo who died tragically in 2023.

Born August 18, 1939, at the family farm in Bowdon, North Dakota, to the late Newton and Eunice Thormodsgard. Jim worked the land with his father and brothers until his senior year in high school. He then moved to California, where he completed high school in Turlock and there met his future wife and began his career in construction in Los Angeles. In 1971, he started his own successful business enterprise with his younger brother, Neil in Las Vegas, Nevada where he resided for 47 years. After he sold the business in 1996, he continued to donate his talents to renovate spaces including his church, friends’ homes, etc. while serving as primary caregiver for his wife. He was a devoted father, grandfather, brother, and uncle—always loving, supportive and caring to all. He was both remarkably intelligent and had a great sense of humor. Family meant everything to him, and he served as a confidant, mentor and advisor to all.

During the last 8 years of his life, he resided with his daughter, son-in-law and grandsons in Oak Ridge, North Carolina. Due to his earlier caregiver responsibilities, he was unable to travel much, so his family took him to all the places he wanted to go. These included his ancestral homelands, Norway and Ireland. Additionally, trips included Alaska, North Dakota, New York and Nevada during this time. As such, our family has many treasured memories of these adventures and were blessed to have this time with him.

Those left to cherish his memory include his loving daughter and son-in-law, Beth and David Pitonzo, grandson, Michael and Michael’s husband, Philip of Oak Ridge, North Carolina. He also has many loving relatives, mentees, co-workers and friends who will always remember the impact he had on their lives. He was a light in the world that we can no longer see but will never be extinguished in our hearts. His family hopes he will continue to inspire everyone to be a better version of themselves as he did in his life.

Services will be held later at the location of interment. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes to direct gifts to the Jesse Pitonzo Scholarship Fund. Gifts may be sent to the GTCC Foundation, P O Box 309, Jamestown, NC 27282 or GTCC.edu/foundation.