James (Jim) Metcalfe was born on May 2, 1935, to Jim and Ella Metcalfe in Rolette, North Dakota. He passed away at the age of 89 on September 26, 2024, in his home in Kingman, Arizona. Jim was the oldest of seven children.  A graveside service will be held on Saturday, June 7, 2025 at 2:00 pm the Little Prairie Cemetery north of Dunseith.  There will be a time of lunch and fellowship at the Kelvin Klinic following the service,

At a young age, his parents moved the family to Seattle, Washington. There, they enjoyed the lively city and its many experiences. After a few years, they decided to return to their family farm in North Dakota.

Jim graduated from Rolla High School in 1952, marking the beginning of his journey into higher education. He then enrolled at the Bottineau School of Forestry, where he majored in Pre-Med. In 1955, he married Mae Fosness. After obtaining his teaching certificate, the couple relocated to the small town of Wolford, North Dakota, where Jim began a career as a dedicated schoolteacher, inspiring the next generation of students.

Their family blossomed in 1956 when they welcomed their first daughter, Cheryl. Seeking new opportunities and adventures, Jim decided to move west, and they settled in Butte, Montana. There, he took on the grueling work of a copper miner. However, after three months, he realized that the harsh environment of mining was not his true calling. With hopes of a brighter future, they moved to Washington State, where Jim found a fulfilling role with Boeing, contributing to the aerospace industry during its pivotal moments.

In 1958, their family grew once more with the birth of their second daughter, Rosann. Amidst the joys and challenges of life, Jim's marriage ended in divorce in 1960, leading him to navigate new paths ahead.

He married Marjorie LaFrance, and in 1966, they welcomed their third daughter, Jennifer, into their family. Eager to enhance his professional skills, he pursued further education and earned a Master's degree in Systems Management in 1972. Unfortunately, this marriage came to an end with a divorce, marking the end of their shared journey.

He had a successful career at Boeing Co., where he polished his expertise and made significant contributions. He took immense pride in being one of only three employees to receive the "Employee of the Year" award, which recognized him for his exceptional leadership as the program manager in developing and implementing a new inventory management system for computer hardware.

In 1997, at the age of 62 and after years of hard work, he happily accepted an early retirement offer, opening the door to exciting new adventures. He found a lovely home in Tacoma, Washington, which turned out to be just perfect for him. It was right next to a fantastic golf course, where he could enjoy sunny days on the greens and really embrace the joys of retirement life.

During a memorable visit to Kingman, Arizona, to spend time with his brother, Gary, he met and soon married the love of his life, Yolanda McDaniel. They celebrated their love and got married on May 28th, 1999. Together, they purchased a beautiful new home in Kingman, AZ, where they built a life filled with laughter and joy, hosting countless family gatherings and welcoming friends into their warm home. Among their cherished companions were Wayne and Ana Preston.  Every gathering was filled with laughter, shared stories, and unforgettable moments that brought them all closer together.

Their summers were often spent adventuring in their camper, traveling through the landscapes of Colorado as they made their way to North Dakota to reconnect with friends and family. They traveled the world to experience South America and connect with Yolanda's family.  They enjoyed the beauty of an Alaskan cruise, admiring the stunning scenery and found pleasure in countless rounds of golf, indulging in both the sport and each other's company with every swing on the green.

Jim lived his life grounded in the core values of honesty and fairness, always striving to give his best to both his work and family. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his wife, Yolanda; Brother Gary (Sue) Metcalfe of Branson, Missouri; Sisters Geri (Chuck) Monroe of Fargo, ND, and Margaret Casavant of Rolette, ND; Daughters Cheryl Evans of Dunseith, ND, Rosann (George) Gottbreht of Dunseith, ND, and Jennifer Metcalfe of Renton, WA; four grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; Sisters Helen (Lance) Barden, Lola (Jay) Vanorny, and Patti (Jack) Woods; brothers-in-law Chuck Leonard, Stanley Casavant, Duaine Coleman, Jack Woods, and Jay Vanorny; son-in-law Jim Evans, and nephew Andy Metcalfe.