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James Harold Pals, 85, of Castle Rock, Colorado, passed away on December 8, 2025, in McKinney, Texas, following a long battle with Lewy Body Dementia. A man of deep loyalty, quiet humor, and a lifelong love for adventure, Jim leaves behind a legacy of family traditions and community service.
Born in Mason City, Iowa, to Harold and Marjorie Pals, Jim’s childhood was a tapestry of frequent moves across the West. From an Iowa farm to the suburbs of California, to Denver and Montana, the family eventually settled in Denver in the 1960s. An active youth, Jim was a proud Eagle Scout who received his award from future Supreme Court Justice Byron White. He enjoyed playing football, wrestling, and was a talented musician. He played the alto saxophone throughout high school, graduating from Sidney High School (NE) in 1959 before enrolling at Midland Lutheran College in 1961.
At Midland, Jim met the love of his life, Ellen Beermann. His approach was famously methodical: he scanned a friend’s yearbook to identify the most involved student on campus and decided Ellen was the one he had to meet. They were married on August 17, 1963, beginning a devoted partnership of 62 years. They raised their two children, Justin and Tara, in Southwest Denver, creating a home on West Kent Place filled with neighborhood circuses, theme parties, and mountain adventures.
Jim was an entrepreneur at heart, working across the agricultural, real estate, and safety consulting industries. He was equally dedicated to his faith and community, serving as Council President at Salem Lutheran Church in Nebraska, was actively involved at Bethany Lutheran in Denver, and was a tireless advocate for the Ability Connection Colorado, which was originally founded as United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) of Colorado, where he helped establish multiple group homes for more independent living.
Jim was happiest in the driver’s seat of anything with wheels or a motor. Whether he was operating a crane, driving a tractor in the mountains, riding a motorcycle, or driving a boat, he loved the thrill of the ride. An avid skier and meticulous builder, he was always ready with his chainsaw or a pair of skis. He was a constant traveler, hitting the road for family reunions in Arizona, North Carolina, and Estes Park to stay connected with his vast network of loved ones.
Jim’s favorite role was that of "Grandpa." In Colorado, he was a dedicated "chauffeur" and art project partner for Westin and Reagan. In Minnesota, he never missed a summer birthday for Ella, Will, and Evan, spending sunny days tubing on the St. Croix River or canoeing in the Boundary Waters. His adventurous spirit was best captured at family reunions, watching his grandsons fish, and giving his granddaughters motorcycle rides in bright red helmets—the "cherry on top" of a perfect family day.
Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Ellen; his children, Justin (Michelle) Pals and Tara (Charles) Cadenhead; his brother, Harlan; and his sister, Mary. He leaves behind five cherished grandchildren: Westin, Reagan, Ella, William, and Evan, as well as many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Marjorie and Harold Pals; his parents-in-law, Amanda and Albert Beermann; his brother-in-law, John; and his sister-in-law, Anne. Jim will be remembered for his big hugs, his gentle laugh, and his signature question: "Tell me about your trip from A to Z." He taught us all the value of being present and the joy of a life well-traveled.
A memorial service will be held in Colorado this summer. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Lutheran Family Services-Rocky Mountains.