James Arthur Engstrom

In Loving Memory of James Author Engstrom (1946–2025)
James Arthur Engstrom, 79, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 15, 2025, in Scottsdale, Arizona. Born on May 23, 1946, at the Swedish Hospital in Minneapolis, Minnesota, James was the son of John Paul Engstrom and Bernice Ione Engstrom. He was raised in Northeast Minneapolis alongside his older brother, Johnny, and his younger sister, Jill. Many of his fondest memories were made during summers at the family cabin at Cedar Lake, where he learned to fish, hunt, and water ski - passions that stayed with him throughout his life.
James graduated from Edison High School in 1964 and went on to earn a degree in Business Administration from the University of Minnesota in 1969. His career in sales spanned several decades, beginning with Investors Diversified Services IDS, then moving on to a think tank in Jackson, Wyoming, called Origin, which he joined in 1970. Prior to his move to Jackson, he met Mary Jane Goetzen, whom he would marry, and the couple had a son, Troy James on New Years Day in 1970. They were married before starting their new life together in Wyoming.
In 1974, James moved on to Parriot Real Estate, where he met lifelong friends Patty Hartnett, Greg Prugh, and Loretta Scott. In 1976, he took a leap of faith and co-founded Wyoming West Realty with Loretta, a move that shaped his career for many years to come. During his time in Jackson, James was deeply involved in the local community, lending his time and talents to various endeavors. He coached Little League baseball, officiated youth sporting events, and served as a board member for the Jackson Hole Ski Club.
In 1980, James was elected President of the Ski Club, where his leadership helped the Pole Pedal Paddle event reach new heights and become a major fundraiser for the club. He also helped spearhead the training programs at the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, where young athletes were given the chance to train for the first time. Under his guidance, the Jackson Hole Town Downhill was launched in 1984, and the first Junior Olympic events were held, marking a turning point for the club. In 1982, James remarried to Kathleen Straub, a nurse he had met at the Cowboy Bar in Jackson. Together, they moved to Phoenix, Arizona, in the summer of 1986, where Kathleen pursued her graduate degree at Arizona State University, and James continued his career in real estate. James and Kathleen had a son, Kyle, born in 1992. James became a successful agent with Realty Executives, where he helped countless families find homes in the Phoenix area, building a network of lifelong friends along the way. He was especially proud of his work with Mayo Clinic Scottsdale, assisting doctors moving from Mayo Clinic Rochester to the new facility in Scottsdale. James loved the Phoenix area, always ensuring he lived no more than 15 minutes from the Mayo Clinic, where Kathleen worked for many years. James's life was marked by his passions for the outdoors, innovation, and a deep love of adventure. An avid skier, fisherman, hiker, and traveler, he was always exploring new ways to challenge himself and push his limits. He was known for his adventurous spirit, even conquering the Rim-to-Rim hike of the Grand Canyon long before it became a popular feat. James was also an inventor at heart, always working on his next big idea, from the Yule Log to the Free Bagger, and held several patents throughout his life.
Above all, James was a devoted father and a loyal friend. He leaves behind his beloved brother, Johnny Engstrom of Frontenac, MN; his sister, Jill LeMoine of Blaine, MN; his two sons, Troy Engstrom of Anchorage, AK, Kyle Engstrom of Oak Park, IL; his grandson, Carson Engstrom; and his beloved golden doodle, Abby. James's spirit of generosity, humor, and perseverance will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
A celebration of life will be held in Phoenix on November 8, 2025. Details will follow.
James lived his life with purpose, kindness, and a relentless drive to live fully. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched and the memories he leaves behind. He was a loving father, a loyal friend, and a true adventurer at heart.