James Harold Pals

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.

Jim was born on September 25, 1940, in Mason City, Iowa, where he grew up with a strong sense of character and community. He earned the rank of Eagle Scout — a distinction that reflected his lifelong commitment to service and integrity. Jim played saxophone and graduated from Sidney High School in 1959 before attending Midland Lutheran College, where he met the love of his life, Ellen Beermann. The two were married on August 17, 1963, beginning a partnership that would span 62 devoted years.

Jim and Ellen raised their children, Justin and Tara, in Southwest Denver on West Kent Place, building a home filled with warmth, laughter, and a spirit of exploration. Jim's entrepreneurial career took him across the fields of agriculture, real estate, and safety consulting — work that reflected his versatility, drive, and genuine care for the people he served.

Faith was central to Jim's life. He was an active member of Salem Lutheran Church and Bethany Lutheran Church, and he gave generously of his time to Ability Connection Colorado, an organization close to his heart.

Jim was a true adventurer. He rode motorcycles, skied Colorado's mountains, canoed quiet rivers, and made multiple trips to the Boundary Waters — each journey a testament to his love of the outdoors and his restless, curious spirit. He had a gift for turning ordinary moments into lasting memories.

Family traditions were sacred to Jim. He cherished the summer birthday celebrations for Ella, Will, and Evan, the annual St. Croix River tubing trips, afternoons fishing with his grandsons, and the sight of his granddaughters in their red helmets. These rituals were his way of saying: this time, this family, this life — it matters.

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 whose lives he touched in ways both large and small.

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.