James Russell Casebolt

May 12, 1946 - October 28, 2025
James Russell Casebolt was born on May 12, 1946, in Lamar, Colorado, to Bernice (Anderson) Casebolt and Charles Casebolt. Jim spent his early years in Colorado, Kansas, and Texas. He graduated from Grand Junction High School in Colorado and went on to earn a degree in philosophy from Texas Lutheran University in 1968.
Like many young men of his generation, Jim faced the draft after graduation. Opposed to the Vietnam War, he applied for conscientious objector status, knowing that decision would send him to Vietnam as a combat medic. Serving with the 82nd Airborne Division, Jim displayed extraordinary courage under fire. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster and "V" Device for Valor, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Bronze Star Medal, and the Combat Medical Badge. He received special recognition for heroism during ground combat in Vietnam on May 16, 1969, when-without regard for his own safety and under heavy enemy fire-he administered life-saving care and loaded wounded soldiers into a medevac helicopter, ensuring six men were safely evacuated.
After returning home, Jim pursued graduate studies at the University of Iowa, where he earned a Ph.D. in Theology and Ethics. There he met Carol Jean Hines. They were married in 1974 and shared 50 years. The couple settled in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where Jim later earned a Master's degree in Public Affairs from the Humphrey Institute at the University of Minnesota.
Jim devoted much of his professional life to public service and interfaith advocacy. He worked for many years as a policy analyst with the Joint Religious Legislative Coalition-an interfaith organization representing the Minnesota Council of Churches, the Minnesota Catholic Conference, the Jewish Community Relations Council, and the Islamic Center of Minnesota.
Faith and compassion remained central to Jim's life. He became a member of the United Church of Christ in New Brighton in 1990, where he served on numerous boards and committees. From 2014 to 2020, he was also affiliated with the Compassionate Ocean Zen Center in Minneapolis.
Family was always at the heart of Jim's world. He and Carol were blessed with two children: David James, born in 1979, and Rebecca Elizabeth (Johnson), born in 1984, and three grandchildren: Lucy, Levi, and Layla.
Jim was preceded in death by his beloved daughter Rebecca in 2017. He was also preceded in death by his parents, and his two brothers, Charles and Jerry. He is survived by his wife, Carol; son, David; grandchildren Lucy, Levi, and Layla; sister, Ann Anderson; two sisters-in law, Kay Casebolt and Pamela Casebolt, and many nieces and nephews.
Jim will be remembered for his deep integrity, gentle wisdom, lifelong commitment to justice, and quiet heroism. His legacy of compassion and courage lives on in the family, friends, and communities he so faithfully served. www.Washburn-McReavy.com
Hillside Chapel 612-781-1999