James Arthur Jette

March 11, 1946 — August 15, 2023

Yankton

James Arthur Jette was the firstborn to Alphee and Delilah Jette in 1946. Many times as an adult, Jim praised them for loving and teaching their children well. Family was always very important to Jim. He was a good son, brother, grandson, cousin, and uncle. When he was in college in San Jose CA, he was near his grandparents and spent much time with them.

He graduated from Moundsview High School in 1964. He was active in Debate Club and ran high hurdles in track. He attended Augsburg College, San Jose Community College, and the University of Minnesota. Jim earned a business degree from the U of M.

Jim was in the Navy, serving on the USS Princeton helicopter carrier during the Vietnam War. In May 1969, the USS Princeton recovered the Apollo 10 lunar mission. Jim was pleased to be part of the honor guard on the ship as the astronauts were brought aboard. He remembered shaking hands with Gene Cernan. He was chosen for this honor because he gave great attention to detail and thoroughness.

Jim worked as a Senior Buyer for Hennepin County in Minneapolis for many years. He was a faithful worker and was proud to be a part.  Jim made trips to spend time with his brother Steve and his son in California.  He was active in his sister Marie’s life and loved spoiling their children by taking them to fun activities and sharing his “toys” with them. He was active in a boat/ski club and enjoyed being on a men’s volleyball team.

He retired at age 60 and liked living in Woodbury. He helped care for his mom and dad, as a loving, loyal son. His mom passed away at 89, from Alzheimer’s, in 2010. His dad was healthy and died suddenly at 99, in 2018.

Jim was diagnosed in 2016 with dementia. He was courageous as he made plans for his future. He entered an assisted living facility in Stillwater in 2019, a memory care in Woodbury in 2020, and a memory care in South Dakota in 2022 to be near his sister.

Jim passed away August 15, 2023. He was a caring, loving son, brother, uncle, cousin, grandson, and friend. He loved God and trusted Him. He will be greatly missed here

Arrangements by Wintz and Ray Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Yankton, SD.