James Douglas “Jim” Pauletich
June 20, 1941 – Firestone, Colorado
October 27, 2025 – Plant City, Florida
It’s the time between the dash that made the journey worth it.
Jim grew up in a family of three brothers, a childhood that gave way to mischief and adventure. In his youth, he roamed the sandy streets of Firestone and later Denver, Colorado. He was a natural with all animals, rehabilitated owls and squirrels, and developed a lifelong love of the night sky. With his brothers beside him, he ice raced, waterskied before sunrise, and snowmobiled the mountains they called home.
At 18, Jim joined the United States Navy, crossed the equator, and served aboard the USS Coral Sea before Vietnam was declared a war. He later reenlisted in the Naval Reserves and, after moving to Florida, transitioned to the United States Coast Guard Reserves, where he proudly served and ultimately retired.
Jim was introduced to Carolee in California, and they married in 1962. He deeply loved his wife. When she passed in 2010, not a day went by that he didn’t say her name. Together, they moved to Colorado and began building their family and a life rooted in curiosity, creativity, and travel.
Jim developed an extraordinary talent for model building—remote-controlled airplanes with five-foot wingspans, six-foot submersible submarines, and award-winning, historically accurate WWII aircraft. His attention to detail grew into an expansive knowledge of military history. After his Navy service, Jim found work with Trans World Airlines, which opened the world to him and Carolee. From Alaska to Italy, they saw it all.
Jim is survived by his daughters, Laurie and Heather; their families—Troy and Emily, Dennis and Andrew; his younger brother, Rodger; and extended family including Isabel, Matt, Ashley, Sarah, and Jeremiah, along with nieces, nephews, and adopted grandkids. He also leaves behind cherished cousins, Linda and Albert Albrandt. Jim’s friends—many of whom became family—held a special place in his heart. A gracious and generous Disney host to anyone willing to keep up the pace, he kept his Annual Pass current until the end.
Baptized later in life, Jim prayed often. He listened when the Lord spoke and bent when the Lord asked. Words cannot fully capture the dash between the dates, but he will be deeply missed—for his silliness, passion, made-up songs and words, mismatched clothes, and unfiltered love of life. Jim always said, “I like me,” and he truly embodied the meaning of Forever Young.
Gonna miss you, Dad. I’ll miss gossiping with you, football games, and fried bread.
I never told you enough. You were right—about everything.
I always loved going over to Laurie’s and Troy’s for the holidays or even when they wanted to do something and I just remember the first time I saw the planes he had made and I just thought it was the most awesomest thing i’ve ever seen. I always liked hearing about what Jim had to say and I enjoyed seeing him when I went over, he always said “Well hello there!” to me whenever I saw him. He is an amazing person and I will miss him, along with many others.
So much to say, but so few words can properly convey how special Jim is to us. He always had a funny story to share and a hug to give. He was so good at making kids of all ages laugh. He always made sure to remind me where the blankets were in case I got cold. We miss him so much, and we are thankful for the time we got to spend with him.
When I met Jim I was 18 years old. I lived with Jim and Carolee for a brief time back then. Jim was a big tease and he teased me endlessly. He called me mother Teresa because I told him he should not put 6 month old Jeremiah on the dirty floor. He truly loved kids and he was the biggest kid of all. He was funny and entertaining all the time. The Pauletich’s loved to argue for entertainment and he would start poking the bear to get a rise out of everyone. Even after Rodger and I divorced he continued to treat me like family to the end. He was fearless. He was a great brother in law and will live in our hearts until the end. I know you are rousing up a party in heaven!❤️
I met Jim about 22 years ago at autozone, I remember I was young and would give me advise, I thought this old man is crazy haha. But he was far from the if it wasn’t for him I wouldnt be at my Job for over 2 years ago. And I wouldnt of met the love of my life that I have been with for over 12 years with 4 beautiful kids. So long story I believe Jim was put in my path from God for many reasons as I named them. So for that im grateful for God and him and so much advice Jim gave me over the years. So he will definitely be missed but I will cherish all those memories with me and he will forever be in my heart.