James R. Kannolt

1932 - 2021

James R. Kannolt



James R. (Jim) Kannolt, born to Carl and Pearl Kannolt in 1932 on the family ranch in Oelrichs, SD and longtime resident of Albuquerque, passed away on February 5th, 2021.After attending high school in Chadron NE (where he met our mother) he went on to receive a Bachelor of Science from Chadron State. Upon completion of his degree, he was drafted into the Army and subsequently stationed, after marrying Marjorie Nehe, in Germany as a Morse Code operator. After his service he received his Mechanical Engineering degree from the University of Colorado. The family then settled in Albuquerque, NM and began family life while he started an amazing 44-year career at Sandia National Labs. Our parents became great friends with many co-workers and the families have stayed friends throughout their lives. For work-life balance he and Marge purchased land in Colorado near his childhood friends Cloyde and Donna Snook and hand built his cherished cabin that he continued working on and enjoying with his family. Our beloved father taught us by his example a love of nature, the importance of ethics, hard work, healthy living and the art of a well delivered joke.

Preceded in death by his parents Carl and Pearl (McMeekin) Kannolt, his brother Jack, his sister Maxine (Melvin) Schumacher and niece Norma Kay and in 2018 by our mother Marjorie J. Kannolt (Nehe).

Dad loved his family consisting of his three daughters, Cathy Rooyakkers (Tony), Diane Gallegos (Tom), Mary Baumgardner (Keith), and his son John Kannolt (Raelene). He also leaves eight grandchildren, Kris and Erik Rooyakkers, Mike Gallegos (Megan), Aubrey Gallegos, Kameron Baumgardner (Sarah H.), Kody Baumgardner, Ewan, and Evelyn Kannolt and four great grandchildren Julian, Dario, Tatiana Gallegos and Addilyn Baumgardner. A family celebration of his life will be held in Colorado at a later date. Please visit our online memorial at

www. FrenchFunerals.com