JAMES R. COST

JAMES R. COST
On Sunday September 28th, in the early morning hours, we said goodbye to our 97 year old patriarch, James Richard Cost, at his beloved Ranchito outside of Santa Fe.
Jim lived a life full of projects, adventures, travels, family and so much more. His inquisitive scientific mind was forever engaging his world with questions, possibilities, discussions and curiosity.
Born in Oak Park, Illinois, to James Nicks Cost and Eloise Mericle Cost, Jim was the oldest of two sons. After undergraduate work at the University of Wisconsin, Jim joined the Air Force and became a fighter pilot, flying F-86 aircraft in the Nevada desert and partying in the newly emerging Las Vegas scene. It is there that his flying buddy set him up on a blind date with a sassy schoolteacher from Minot, North Dakota, Dona Johnston. Thereafter began a great adventure, encompassing marriage, four children, a move to Santa Fe, divorce, and finally, a unique and enduring friendship that lasted until Dona's death in 2020.
Rennie Finley was Jim's other true love, and she stood by him, especially in his final years. The morning calls from Rennie started his days, as they discussed the latest politics and debated who is the GOAT - Carlos Alcarez or Jannick Sinner. Rennie was his steadfast biking and travel companion throughout this country and internationally.
Jim wore a thousand hats, and he wore them all well and with panache. But really, the main hat he wore, even as he passed on to the Great Bike Ride in the sky, was his bike cap. He was rarely, if ever, seen without one of his many bike caps perched on his head. Biking was Jim's passion, his way of life, his chance to challenge himself and others (breaking a few national records along the way), and a unique way to see so many parts of the world. He had an international cohort of fellow cyclists, many of whom became fast friends for decades. He took his last ride just a few months ago.
We remember Jim's hands: strong, capable, and used in myriad capacities throughout his life. As a young teenager, he forged his social security card to work at a magic shop in Chicago, and there began his lifelong love affair with magic. He never met a sleight of hand trick that he didn't like, and he delighted in doing magic shows in his top hat and cape, performing as the great "El Costo".
He used his steady hands in the service of science, conducting materials science experiments, first while he earned his doctorate at the University of Illinois, then at the Ford Motor Company in Dearborn, Michigan, as a professor of metallurgy at Purdue University, and finally as a scientist at Los Alamos National Labs.
While at the University of Illinois, he was introduced to another outlet for his creativity: ceramics. In Indiana, the kick potter's wheel was in the basement, the giant kiln in the garage, and we were surrounded by Jim's graceful and utilitarian handiwork.
It was at the Ranchito that those talented hands embraced his last great creative passion: woodworking. He made beautiful and useful furniture, art pieces, and wooden boxes, right up until the last few weeks of his life.
The Ranchito was his haven and his refuge. Many hours were spent on the porch swing gazing out at the Sangre de Cristos, with the luminous afternoon light setting the mountains on fire. His armchair was perfectly positioned to see the full moon rise through his glass front door. Family, friends, and beloved dogs were always visiting. He proudly hosted the Men's Group, which he co-founded and faithfully attended for over forty years. Jim effortlessly connected with folks of all ages and walks of life. Friends of his grandkids especially appreciated his jokes and garden harvests.
As a father and grandfather, Jim was our greatest champion. His deep love of family showed up in many ways, and he nurtured unique and meaningful relationships with each of his family members. He delighted in our hopes, dreams, harebrained schemes, and lofty projects. His deep faith in education supported all of our schooling, from his oldest child to his great-grandchild. He was a lifelong student himself, taking woodworking classes at Santa Fe Community College until his 90th year.
Jim's four kids, Holly, Heidi, Jamie, and Viva (Amy), and his granddaughter Madeleine had the great privilege of caring for him in his final days, and it was an honor to be with him as he went "to the next place". He leaves behind seven adoring grandchildren: Sam, Angela, Mario, Max, Madeleine, Eden, and Nash; and Sydney Azul, his great-grandchild, who regularly brought him his newspaper and shared the ubiquitous Oreos stocked in his kitchen.
Jim chose to have his ashes interred at Angel Fire State Veterans' Cemetery in a wooden box he made himself. The wild beauty of Northern New Mexico will surround him. He was proud of his military service to the country he loved and believed in. He also had the clarity and courage to question our leaders and government. His deep commitment to reproductive rights, First Nations sovereignty, and the local food bank was reflected in his philanthropy.
Our deepest gratitude goes out to his caregivers, Prema Heimbecker, Diane Hirano, Irene Shelton, and the nurses from Presbyterian Hospice, who all cared for him with love, compassion, and humor. Jim had a unique and special bond with Maureen Robins, who was a healer, confidant, and true friend to him.
Jimbo, we miss you with all our hearts, and we will do our best to carry on your deep enthusiasm, insatiable curiosity and love of life.
In the words of our beloved Jimbo: KEEP SPINNIN'!
A celebration of Jim's life will be held at The Santa Fe Women's Club on Sunday, Nov. 23rd at 11 am.
Jim suggested that any charitable donations in his name may be made to:
Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains
Union of Concerned Scientists
Cottey College