Contributions to the tribute of James E. Coufal

J

Jamie Savage posted a condolence

Tuesday, September 9, 2025

Dear Carol and Family, So very sorry to hear of Jim's passing. Jim was a mentor to me and so many other foresters and teachers. He is an important part of Ranger School history, and an honored member of the Ranger School and greater ESF family. I always enjoyed listening to Jim speak and think out loud at SAF meetings and conventions around the country. He posed profound questions, encouraging us all to think and to search for common ground on difficult issues. Jim's passing is a big loss to the forestry profession and to the community of people who love and passionately care for forests. I consider myself very lucky to have been a student and a colleague of Jim Coufal. I'll remember Jim always with a smile and a warm heart. ~ Jamie Savage

W

Wendy Taylor posted a condolence

Friday, August 29, 2025

Hello Carol - -I was so very sorry to hear of Jim's passing - I have fond memories of him at Great Decisions for many years - he was our intellectual guru in the group, always kept the discussion going & shared pertinent insightful information on the global issues we were discussing, plus he helped with all aspects of the program - I have missed him these past several years - I send my heartfelt condolences to you and your family - as always, Wendy Taylor

L

Les Coufsl posted a condolence

Tuesday, August 26, 2025

So very sorry for uncle Jims passing. Prayers for you all.

D

Diane Carney Bland posted a condolence

Sunday, August 24, 2025

Dear Carol, Laura and family, I am so sorry for your loss. I will always remember Jim's big smile and warm greeting when I joined you to sit around a table and talk all night long. The Trivia Pursuit game nights were hilarious. Mostly, I will remember attending my first Indivisible meeting with you all and seeing Jim stand up to firmly address the room -- announcing that a political party must not dismiss "Science!" I am so glad I knew him. Diane Carney Bland

H

Hugh posted a condolence

Friday, August 22, 2025

Carol, I am so sorry to learn of Jim's passing. He was a good friend and colleague. We go back a long way. Here is a poem someone shared with me after Janet died. I got great comfort in it. I can shed tears now that you’re gone, Or I can smile because you lived. I can close my eyes and pray you’ll come back, Or I can open my eyes and see all that you left. My heart can be lonely because I can’t see you, Or it can be full of the love we shared. I can turn my back on tomorrow and live yesterday, Or I can be happy for tomorrow because we had yesterday. I can remember you and only that you are gone, Or I can cherish your memory and let it live on. I can cry and close my eyes and be empty, Or I can do what you would want me to, SMILE, OPEN MY EYES, LOVE AND GO ON. Hugh Canham

J

Jamie Savage Posted Sep 9, 2025 at 7:41 PM

Beautiful. Thanks for sharing.

Report

M

Mark Friden posted a condolence

Thursday, August 21, 2025

Jim and Carol and I go way back to their arrival on Union Point as owners of the camp next to ours, in 1968. We shared so many good times; Jim was quite a character, and, yes - he made me laugh - often! Jim was part of the Ranger School Family I grew up with at Cranberry Lake, along with Chuck Martin and Kerm Remele. Every hike was like a classroom extension, with plants and flowers being described, along with their possible uses. But there were always jokes. That's one thing I will never forget!

D

Don & Rena McCrimmon posted a condolence

Thursday, August 21, 2025

Rena and I treasure the memories that we’ve shared over the years. Though Jim is gone, building memories will continue. As they do, they’ll become more treasured still.

C

The family of James E. Coufal uploaded a photo

Thursday, August 21, 2025

James E. Coufal

1938 - 2025

Memorial Contributions

> LEARN MORE

> LEARN MORE

> LEARN MORE