James Adair Paulley, age 93, of Cohasset, MN, passed away on Saturday, June 10, 2023, at Home and Comfort Assisted Living, Coleraine, MN, surrounded by family.

James was born in 1929 at the family home in Cohasset to Joseph and Elsie Paulley. He grew up in the Cohasset area, where he attended three different country schools. James married the love of his life, Ruth, on January 7, 1953, and together they raised their six children.

James worked at US steel for many years, retiring in the early 80's, however; retirement didn't suit James. He continued his career with the US Forestry, where he maintained several campgrounds and forestry sites. James and Ruth were a proud part of the 1992 US Capitol Christmas Tree -the tree to DC-, a 62-foot white spruce from the Chippewa National Forest. Together they made the ornaments for the tree. Through all his life and accomplishments, his proudest achievement was that he was able to continue farming on the family farm.

He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Ruth in 2003; siblings, Tom and Doris; and son, James. James is survived by his children, Rachel (Tom), Barb, Joanie, Don, Tim (Katy); daughter-in-law, Cathy; sisters, Elaine (Chuck), Joyce; brother, Joe (Kate); 12 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, and extend family and friends.

A visitation will be held on Friday, June 23, 2023, at 10:00 AM, at St. Augustine's Catholic Church, Cohasset followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM. Burial will be at Wildwood Cemetery, Cohasset, MN. Fr. Blake Rozier will officiate.

The family of James would like to extend a heartfelt thank you and their gratitude to the Home and Comfort staff and to Essentia Hospice staff for the excellent care that he received.