James Lenoir

James Bruce LeNoir, “Bimbo” was born on May 6, 1952, in Fort Totten ND, the son of John Baptist and Amelia (DuBois) LeNoir. He began his journey to the Spirit World on Tuesday, June 25, 2024.

James was united in marriage to the love of his life, Renae Ann Graywater on September 9, 1973. They made their home on the Spirit Lake Nation their entire lives. Renae died on December 17, 2020.

James and Renae adopted two sweet, adorable girls Gwendelyn and Rendina whom they cherished. They also opened their hearts and their home to many foster children. In 2012, they received State recognition for 25 plus years of being foster parents. They cared for and loved each child that came into their home as their own. They had one very close foster child, Shanna.

James loved to spend time with family and friends. He teased everyone and anybody. He was quick witted and always had a comeback. He was nicknamed “Bimbo” by his older sister Marie because he sang the “Bimbo Song” constantly.

He was the “fire keeper.” He would burn anything that wasn’t nailed down. He even burnt sister Sharon’s wedding dress and if anyone’s shoes were laying on the basement floor, let us just say, “shoes burn well!”

He was one of the favorite Uncles, and most hateful! On a Labor Day trip to the Peace Gardens, he found jalapeno peppers. He would call a nephew or niece over and pretend to tell them something and rub jalapeno “fingers” on their eyes! But one nephew got him back, unbeknownst to Bimbo, they rubbed jalapenos all over his steering wheel- “Joke on Uncle!” Another prank on his nephews was James would hang the boys on a doorknob, from the back of their pants.

James was so proud of his children and grandchildren. They were the light of his life. We know they could tell some crazy stories-Christmas was the highlight for James and Renae. His kids got what they asked for from “Santa.” He always did the best he could to provide for his family.

James had many close friends, too numerous to mention-you know who you are. Thank you for being lifetime friends.

James’s loving family include his daughters Gwendelyn (Delwyn) Littlewind and Rendina (Robert) LeNoir; grandbabies Amari Elizabeth, Jade, Gordon James Jr., MiYani Mae Ann, Zoriah Amelia Rose, Zayden James, Luke Jarvis, Chloe Ann, Laura Marie, Ryder James; siblings Mary Monette, Michelle Thompson, JoAnn (Bradley) Johnson, Sharon Tester, Jackie Lenoir, Jerry (Paulette) LeNoir, Joel (Wanda) Lenoir Sr. Lee LeNoir, LeRoy LeNoir, Lena Luukonen and Lisa McPhail; many precious nieces, nephews, godchildren and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Renae, brothers John and Jeff, sister Marie Dornheim and Lanette LeNoir, special friend John Hancock Anderson and many nieces and nephews.

Honorary Bearers Harry Walters, Kyle Tester, James LeNoir, Ben LeNoir, Gaylyn Robertson, Lars Azure, Robert Cavanaugh, Peter Dauphinas, Billy Scheer, Cody Greywater, Lila Anderson and family, Loreen Anderson, LaRina Anderson, John Johnson, Sonta Dauphinais, Della Belgarde, Brenda Robertson, Barbara Robertson, and the Graywater family.

Special thank you to Stephanie Armstrong and Staff.

 Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, July 6, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Michael's Catholic Church with burial in St. Michael's Cemetery.