Jim was born in St. Paul and grew up on his grandparents’ farm in Arden Hills. In his youth, he played guitar and bass in a rock band and cycled through an awe-inspiring roster of beautiful classic cars. He also began a relationship with his wife, Trish, with whom he shared a love that defined both of their lives. Jim’s family takes comfort in the fact that he and Trish have been reunited after only a brief separation. While his death has brought great pain, his reunion with the love of his life is cosmically beautiful.
Jim’s life was full of unforgettable experiences. He turned an interest in photography, radio, and television, along with a distinct and distinguished speaking voice, into a decades-long career in the broadcast industry. He travelled all around the country with his wife, from their honeymoon in the American South to a visit to his granddaughter in Pennsylvania to celebrate his 80th birthday. A lifelong legal junkie, Jim saw the system firsthand as a party to a case before the United States Supreme Court, and inspired and encouraged both of his grandchildren to attend law school and become attorneys. Beyond the larger-than-life moments, Jim showed us all how to enjoy life’s pleasures. Those who knew him will never forget his effortless, iconic humor and his ability to make any room erupt in laughter. He spent every occasion, big or small, surrounded by his family – always impeccably dressed for the moment. His memory will be with us whenever we feel the wind in our hair on a convertible ride, hit a royal flush at a casino, or kick up our feet by the pool on a hot, sunny summer day.
Jim is predeceased by Trish, his wife of 55 years, along with his parents, Kenneth and Gertrude, and grandparents, George and Lucy. He is survived and missed by his son Jamie, daughter-in-law Shari, granddaughter Brianna, grandson Cody, granddaughter-in-law Sophia, and siblings Bill, Beth, and Buzz. Jim is also survived by family members and friends from throughout his life – in particular, he is survived by a generation of his grandchildren’s friends for whom he was another grandfather.
There will be a visitation for Jim held on Thursday, May 4th from 5:30 p.m.– 7:30 p.m. at Kapala Glodek Malone Funeral Home at 7800 Bass Lake Rd., New Hope, MN 55428. Jim’s funeral will be held on Friday, May 5th at 2 p.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, located at 1 Lourdes Pl., Minneapolis, MN 55414.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kapalaglodekmalone.com for the Goodchild family.
