Benjamin James Bertsch

Affectionately known as “Jim”, he was born in Rugby, ND and was raised in Upham, ND until the age of 9. Ben, Mildred and all six kids (Dave, Deanna, Don, Jim, Neil and Gary) then moved to Worland, Wyoming where Jim played baseball all the way through High School and Legion baseball as a 3rd baseman.

As soon as Jim graduated High School in 1962, he began working for McGarvin Moberly and soon married Jean Swing and through this union son Danny was born in 1965. Jim remarried in 1975 to Linda Keller and gained a daughter, Raylene. Jim and Linda would also welcome daughter Jamie in 1978.

Jim worked for Frost Construction and Rissler & McMurry Co. a short time before finishing his career with Schlumberger from 1979 to 1999. Even though officially retired, Jim continued to work contract labor with Schlumberger through 2006. His hard work and dedication to the job garnered the respect of the younger generation moving up in the company and he was proud that these young men looked up to him.

Jim and Linda then set out with a pickup and camper and would “snow-bird” the next 4 years across the state of Arizona sightseeing, golfing and looking for their forever home. They settled in 2011 in the country side between Mesa and Florence.

Jim was an avid bowler and golfer. He loved the Denver Broncos and the Buffalo Bills as well as everything University of Wyoming --- but nothing topped his LA Dodgers!!! As a kid he was known to take a transistor radio to bed or even to the garage to listen to Vin Scully’s Dodger Baseball play-by-play game call.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents Ben and Mildred, his sister Deanna, brother Neil and his loving wife Linda.

Jim is survived by his children Danny(Tammy), Raylene(Mike) and Jamie(Chris); brothers Dave(Diane), Don(Isa), Gary(Kristy); Grandchildren Meagan, Ashley, Jake, Lindon, Jordan, Courtney and 10 Great-Grandchildren. But most of all, 2 King Charles Cavalier fur babies-- Elly and Charly-- who have been his companions since Linda’s passing.

Cremation has taken place and a family remembrance will be held in Wyoming at a later date.