James Everett Strange, 79, of Phoenix, AZ passed away Tuesday, February 16, 2021.
He was born November 15, 1941 in San Francisco, CA to Floyd and Florina Strange. He was taken too soon, but accomplished much in his life, and brought happiness to those that knew him.
Jim spent his formative years in California, attending El Monte High School and then graduating from San Jose State. He joined the Air Force and it brought him to Arizona via Luke Air Force Base. On his first day in the state in 1967, he met Jeannette Stack at a “Never on Friday” event in Tempe. She would become his wife of 51 years.
The military was a foundational piece of his life as he continued serving in the Air National Guard for 20 years following his active duty. Jim achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel at his retirement. He took great pride in his time with the military, his service during Desert Storm, and the lifelong friendships he made.
He was an accountant by trade, beginning his career with Phillips Petroleum in Los Angeles. In Phoenix, he joined Motorola before working for Medtronic for 25 years. He earned an MBA from Arizona State.
Those that knew Jim knew he was eager to pass along bits of humor, loved the 49ers and SF Giants, and believed the Rolling Stones are the best band ever assembled. Jim, who played football in high school, enjoyed watching all sports, including his kids’. He made the most of retirement by relaxing with Sudoku and crossword puzzles, but also learned to be a playwright who wrote several plays and had some performed in downtown Phoenix. Jim will be missed by his family and numerous friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents. Survived by wife, Jeannette, son Jeff (Beth), daughter Jennifer Tesdall (Robert), granddaughters Amanda and Samantha, sister Joan Wachtelborn (Dave), and brother David.
Visitation will be held at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E Indian School Road, Phoenix on Thursday, February 25, 2021 from 4:30-6:30PM (livestream: https://m.facebook.com/WhitneyMurphyFH/live/)
Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 2312 E Campbell Avenue, Phoenix on Friday, February 26, 2021 at 10:30AM (livestream: https://www.staphx.org/). Burial will immediately follow at 12:30 P.M at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N. 48th Street, in Phoenix. Due to Covid- 19 restrictions, only 25 people will be allowed to attend the committal service at the cemetery, guests outside of this number are encouraged to come and support the family watching from their vehicles. For those unable to attend, the burial will be live streamed at 12:30 P.M (livestream: https://m.facebook.com/WhitneyMurphyFH/live/)
In lieu of flowers please make any donations to the Humane Society. Condolences may be expressed at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com.
Sr. Kathleen Sinclair, BVM
I am so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. May his memory be a blessing.
Sandy Juszliewicz
With our deepest sympathy in the passing of Jim. He will always be remembered lovingly by us. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Jeannie and your family. Love, Mike and Sandy
Rose Mikula
Sending God Light and Healing Energy to all of the Family
May Jim rest in peace with our Lord.
Stacy DiStefano
Sorry to hear of your loss. Praying for you and your family.
Shelly Cahill
What an amazing life, what an amazing man. May your memories help comfort you during this painful time.
Cecilia and Mike Kelly
It has been our good fortune to have known Jim for fifty-plus years and we will always cherish the fond memories of this enduring friendship. Jim’s spirit lives on in the memories of his family and all those who loved him for our roots are forever intertwined. Love and prayers, Cecilia and Mike
Charlotte and Arnold Pokorski
I’ve been staring at this spot for 5 minutes–or is it longer? Can’t think what to say to express my condolences to you all. We, too, have known Jim since 1967. It seems like just a few years ago until I start counting up kids, grandkids, memories. We’ve lost Jim but we still have all the rest. Amen.
Doug and Kathy Gray
So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing, our thoughts and prayers are with you. We fondly remember our time with your family at Jeff and Beth’s wedding some years ago.
May Jim rest in peace.
Angie and Lee Fullerton
Our condolences to the Family. We new Jim at Medtronic and enjoyed his humor and good nature. He ran the weekly football pool and played on the softball team. He actually coached the tram one season. He was a good man.
Steve and Loretta Wierson
We never got a chance to meet your father Jenn, but know that we are keeping you and your family in our prayers. I’m sure you have many wonderful memories. God Bless your father and your entire family. May peace be with you. Love ya.
Marsha and Carl Lunden
We always remember the fun and funny times spent with Jim and Jan. Our memories are cherished to have known Jim. His good humor and kind ways always inspired us and we will miss his special friendship.
Dave and Cindy Bowen
We are so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. May you have comfort in all your memories.
Kristine Black
I worked with Jim at Medtronic in Tempe and got to serve the retiree group with him for many years. He was our faithful treasurer and handled his duties with detail and compassion. He will be missed by his friends as his smile and his willingness to serve will always be remembered.
Tom Baily
May God send blessings to Jim and your family during this time. We enjoyed working with Jim and Medtronic and hearing about his retirement exploits at the Retirement club meetings. May you have many loving memories of Jim to help you during this time.
Eileen and Tom Baily
Preston Traverse
Jeff so sorry for your loss.
Jeremiah France
Jeff, Jennifer and the entire Family,
My sincerest condolences to you all. It was a pleasure spending time with your father at the after event for Jeff and Beth’s wedding.
I wish the crew from the Buddy Bowl could be there in person to support you all.
Bill Bonnell
We have had the good fortune to have known Jim and Jan for many years, serving together in the Arizona Air National Guard and at many social events. Jim will be remembered for his kindness, good humor and east going manner. While his good deeds and presence will be deeply missed, his family and friends will have many fond memories. Our warm thoughts of support and prayers go out to Jan and family.
God Bless,
Gayla and Bill Bonnell
susan flannery
With Heartfelt Sympathy
May time heal your heart and memories comfort your soul.
I enjoyed working with Jim in the Finance department at Medtronic
May he rest in peace with our Lord
Joe Ladrigan
We have known Jim & Jan since 1977 when I joined the Arizona Air National Guard at Sky Harbor. We shared so many good times both while on duty and at social gatherings that we are feeling a huge void in our lives at this time. We pray for his family as they try to cope with his loss.
Mike Doherty
I’ve known Jim for Many years since we worked together at Medtronic. He was a wonderful person and a great friend. I’m very sorry for your loss. He will be greatly missed.
Bridgette & Chris St. Hilaire
Jeff, Jennifer and family – We are so sorry for your loss. There are no words. Prayers and ((hugs)) to you all. ❤️
Michael Park
Cheryl and I are very sorry for your loss. I first met Jim when we worked together in Motorola Finance in the early 70’s, and after I left Motorola again at Medtronic. I always enjoyed Jim’s easy demeanor and humor. He always attended the retiree meetings, and he will be greatly missed.
Michael and Cheryl Park