James George Paul

James George Paul, 78, of Parker, Colorado, passed away peacefully on January 15, 2025, surrounded by his family. Born on November 23, 1946, in Mandan, North Dakota, he was the son of George and Frances Paul. James's life was defined by service, family, humor, and a love for the outdoors.
James graduated from St. Anthony's High School in Linton, North Dakota in 1964 before joining the U.S. Army, where he became a helicopter pilot. He proudly served in the Vietnam War from October of 1967 to October of 1968 where his love for aviation blossomed. After his military service, he continued his love for flying in the North Dakota National Guard. He also pursued a career in pharmacy, earning his degree from North Dakota State University.
In the mid '70s, Jim met the love of his life, Kathryn. Finding each other was true kismet and they soon married and began a life which would include three children – Chad, Ryan, and Chelsea.
In 1979, James and his wife, Kathryn, moved to Philipsburg, Montana, where they owned and operated Does Rexall Drug for 13 years. During this time, James was a city council member, a member of the rotary club, an elder and treasurer for the local community church, and joined the Montana National Guard, continuing his passion for flying helicopters. In 1992, the family relocated to Bozeman, Montana, where James worked as a pharmacist for Safeway. Later, they moved to Colorado Springs, where he continued his work with Safeway until his retirement. James and Kathyrn then moved to Parker, Colorado following his initial cancer diagnosis and the loss of his right leg.
Throughout his life, James remained involved with his community particularly through his active participation in the VA group in Colorado Springs where he gained a brotherhood. He cherished spending time with his family and could often be found ATVing in the mountains, fishing (even if he never quite caught that elusive walleye), and enjoying his favorite hobbies-gopher and skunk hunting, playing cards, and collecting paperback novels. His ingenuity and craftsmanship were evident in the many projects he took on over the years, including building a deck and finishing their basement in Bozeman, fixing cars, and rebuilding toys and engines.
James's sense of humor was legendary, and he was always ready with a joke to share with anyone who would listen. He had a passion for reading, watching movies, an affinity for trains, and a knack for finding value in the most unexpected places.
He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Frances Paul, and his brother, Steve Paul. He is survived by his devoted wife, Kathryn; sons, Chad and Ryan and his wife Amber; daughter, Chelsea and her husband Phil; grandchildren, Anthony and his wife Abby, Asher, Jasmyn, Eliana, Olivia, Calbria, Veda, Simon, and Imogen; and one great-grandson, Soren, who he was delighted to meet in his final days. He is also survived by his sister Patricia, and her husband Bill, his sister Brenda, her husband Joe, and many nieces and nephews.
James will be remembered as a proud veteran of the US Army, but more importantly, he will be remembered for the joy he took in his family and friends and the fun he had with his grandchildren. A service will be held in his honor at 9 AM at Parker Funeral Home, Inc. A graveside service will follow at Fort Logan National Cemetery at 11:30 AM. (addresses below)
Parker Funeral Home, Inc
10325 Parkglenn Way
Parker, CO 80138
Fort Logan National Cemetery
4400 W. Kenyon Ave.
Denver, CO 80236
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) or to the Rocky Mountain Regional VA Fisher House.
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