James David, 83, Ellendale

James Robert David, 83, of Ellendale, died on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at Traditions of Waterville.

He was born Nov. 6, 1942, in Waseca, the son of James and Agnes (Hoffman) David. James was raised in Ellendale and graduated from Ellendale High School in 1960.

James was united in marriage to Carolyn Marie David on Saturday, Dec. 2, 1967, in Clarks Grove. They were blessed with three children together. They later divorced.

He worked at OTC until retirement.

In his free time, he enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson motorcycles, fishing, hunting, and dancing to old time music. He also loved to play horseshoe and bowling, receiving many trophies in both. James was an avid Nascar and dirt track fan, his idol being Dale Earnhardt Sr. #3. He was known for telling jokes, especially Ole and Lena ones, and could always bring a smile to people’s faces. To many, he was known as the Curb Alert Specialist or Neighborhood dumpster diver.

He is survived by his daughters, Dawn (Denis) David-Copp, Debbie David, and DeeAnn David; grandchildren, Dustin David, Tyler (Ellie) Vandler, and Kaitlyn VanDenHemel; great-grandchildren, Anna Newbegin and Negan Kubat; siblings, Richard (Susie) David, Beverly (Henry) Barron, Linda (Gary) O’Connor, and Rebecca Lassahn; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by Carolyn David; parents, James and Agnes; brothers, Tom David and Harry David; brother-in-law, Richard Lassahn; and nephews.

A visitation was at Michaelson Funeral Home on Friday, June 26, 2026. Funeral services were held at Michaelson Funeral Home on June 27, 2026, with a visitation prior to the service. Interment was in the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Owatonna.