James West

James D. West, 81, Lutsen, died peacefully on Wednesday, October 9, 2019 at Essentia Health St. Mary’s Medical Center.

Jim was born July 8, 1938 to Carl and Dora (Nelson) West in Kingsford, Michigan, where he grew up. As a teen he moved to Lutsen and graduated from Cook County High School in 1956. Jim was self-employed as a plumber for many years as County Plumbing and Heating in Lutsen.

Jim was a member of the Lutsen Volunteer Fire Department and Lutsen Evangelical Lutheran Church. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, wood-working, playing cards and telling jokes.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, a sister; and a son, Tom Goettl.

He is survived by his wife, Kathleen; children, Tim Goettl (Tanya Miller and Alexis), Chris (Terri) Goettl, Peter (Lela) Goettl, Paul Goettl, James West and Heather (Brandon Gillespie) West; grandchildren, Ryan and Shekiera, Ashley and Chris, Megan, Josh, Leo, Luke, Hayden, Larissa, Mallory, Riley, Liam and Owen; and great-grandchildren, Dalen, Tyler, Aiden, Ashland, Hendricks, Collins, Kadence, and Bryson.

Services will be held at 1 PM on Sunday, October 20, 2019 at Lutsen Evangelical Lutheran Church.