James Graywater, 50, of Fort Totten, ND passed away on Sunday, April 23, 2023 at CHI St, Alexius Health, Devils Lake, ND.

James Graywater was born on March 9, 1973 to Jeanne Cavanaugh and Kenneth Graywater Sr. in Devils Lake, ND.  He attended various schools in his younger years in Montana and North Dakota.  He later received his GED.  He was a certified welder, a fire fighter and also worked in various jobs on Spirit Lake Reservation with Tribal Programs.

Jim was always ready and willing to help out anyone in need, more than happy to give his last if need be.  Jim always had a handsome smile on his face and had the greatest sense of humor.  If and when you were with Jim, you would always have a smile, be joking and laughing around because it was hard to even “try” to be mad or sad around him.  Most of all he loved to be with his family and spend time with his nieces and nephews.  Jim liked to go for walks, he enjoyed physical fitness and was always willing to help (if he could) do little odds jobs for his elders.  He was always mindful and respected the elderly.  Jim also liked to cook and he was a talented free hand artist.  “Jimbo” will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him.

James is survived by his parents, Jeannie Cavanaugh & Kenneth (Beverly) Graywater; grandmother, Larraine Greybear; special friend, Shirlene Feather; brothers, Kenneth “KJ” (Alyssa) Graywater Jr., Cody (Donna) Graywater, Jeff, Jason, Daniel and Arrow Azure; sisters, Kim (Daryl) Three Irons, Kendall (Louden) Smith and Cynthia Azure; children, Christine Graywater Haze, Kailon Graywater (Hunka Children), Jaleshia, Jenna, and Allen Graywater; grandchildren, Malun, Santana, Kyiomi Hayes, Ellionna and Layileyah Buckles, Kole, Ty, Larissa, Emberly, Memori, Dessa, Jae Angelo Griffin, Kaleb Hoehl; aunties, Santa Dauphinais, Della Belgarde, Wiggs & Rena Anderson, Luwonna “Dolly” Cavanaugh, Donna Jackson and Rose Mudgett; uncles, Dan Cavanaugh, Michael Alex Sr., Jerry Mudgett, Perry Mudgett and Benny Mudgett; nephews, Darion (Christine), Darwin (Destin), Kolten Three Irons, Calden & Cody Jr. Graywater, Brayden Azure and Heyaka Greywater; nieces, Joetta Three Irons, Braylee Azure, Kennedi Wadsworth and Avonna Smith; cousins, Rhonda and Richey Graywater and many other cousins, nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by step father, Leon Reddog Sr.; maternal grandparents, Christine Alex and Daniel Cavanaugh Sr.; paternal grandparents, Alex Graywater Sr. and Elizabeth & Jerry Robertson; aunts, Danielle Herald, Delemma & Pamela Greywater and Renae Lenoir; uncles, Paul Yankton Jr., Mike, Andrew “Chuck”, Richard and Alex Greywater, Bob Graywater; nephew, Daryl Three Irons Jr.; cousins, Michael Shaw, Leland Azure, Delvin and Neil Greywater, Donnie Smith, Alex “Zeke” Greywater, Shirley “Beasley” Stensland, Danielle “Faye-Faye” Littlewind and Troy Woods.  

Casket Bearers: Joe Garcia, Trent Anderson, Ron McKay Jr., Jason Azure, Elton Greywater Sr., Patrick “Skat” Cavanaugh, Sheldon Dogskin, Larse Azure

Honorary Pallbearers: Angela Garcia, Cathey Twohearts, Mike Smith, Kyle Charboneau, Dillion McKay, Edward LaVallie, Delvin Greywater Jr., Clark Cavanaugh, Richey & Rhonda Greywater, Waynita Chaske & family, Joanne Smith, Todd, Justin, Doug, Joy, Paula, Tara Yankton, Michaela Smith, Erica & Felicia Greywater, Lisa Greywater & Merle Ironhawk, Shelly Lugar & family, Bobbie Dunn & Family, Crystal McKay, Rosita McKay, Debbie LaVallie and Jolene Crosswhite.  If we forgot anyone, it was not intentional as we are going through this difficult time.  A special thank you to the Spirit Lake Ambulance & Staff.

 

James’ Visitation will be Sunday from 5:00PM-7:00PM followed by a Prayer Service at 7:00PM all at the Ft. Totten Rec. Center, Fort Totten, ND.

 Friends wishing to join the procession from New Rockford to Fort Totten may gather on the St. Jerome’s road, Fort Totten, prior to 4:15PM.

The Final Review will on Monday, May 1, 2023 starting at 10:30AM followed by a Funeral Service at 11:00AM all at the Ft. Totten Rec. Center, Fort Totten, ND.

His Burial will be at the St. Jerome’s Catholic Cemetery, Fort Totten, ND.