James "Jim" A. Molfino

James “Jim” A. Molfino, 69, Grand Forks, ND, passed away peacefully Tuesday, April 6, 2021 at home surrounded by his family .

James Allen Molfino was born August 4, 1951 in Santa Cruz, CA, the son of Enrico and Edna (Green) Molfino. He attended schools and graduated from high school at Santa Cruz. At the age of 19, Jim joined the U.S. Air Force and left for Texas where he completed his basic training. He completed his advanced training in Washington State and was assigned to Germany before coming to Grand Forks.

Jim met Jackie in 1975.  They were best friends, life partners, absolutely, unconditionally for better or worse, in love with each other.  A true match made in heaven.  September 3, 1977, that love was recognized, and promised in the eyes of God at the First Presbyterian Church in Grand Forks. This year they were looking forward to celebrating 44 years of marriage.

Jim served at Travis Air Force Base, CA, where they had their first daughter, Christina.  She looked just like her very proud daddy except for the big dimple in the middle of her chin.  We discovered later that came from her Aunt Judy on her mommy’s side of the family.  About 18 months later, Jim received orders to Incirlik, Turkey.  Because Turkey was not the best place for a baby to be, Jim had to be parted from his beloved girls,  Jackie and Chrissy, for the “short tour”.  He was allowed once-a-month 5 minute phone calls, which we thoroughly enjoyed.  He was also granted 30 days of leave 5 months into the short tour which we really enjoyed!  So much so that a month after he returned to Turkey, Jackie informed him that baby number two was on the way!!  Eight months later Jim was home to help welcome Sara Lynn into this world.  She looked more like her mommy’s side, but as it turns out, she definitely has her daddy’s personality!

During his military career, he earned the following recognitions, Air Force commendation medal with three oak leaf clusters, Air Force achievement medal with one oak leaf cluster, Air Force outstanding unit award ribbon with two oak leaf clusters, Air Force good conduct medal with one silver oak leaf cluster and one bronze oak leaf cluster, National defense medal with bronze service star, Air Force overseas short tour ribbon, Air Force overseas long tour Ribbon, Air Force longevity service award ribbon with four oak leaf cluster, USAF NCO professional military education graduate ribbon, small arms expert marksmanship ribbon, Air Force training ribbon. Jim retired from the Air Force after 22 years of service. He then worked as a purchasing agent for Altru Health System of Grand Forks for 19 years.

Jim loved time with his family and having everyone over for Italian dinners, especially Uncle Rick’s Chicken.  He loved to grill steak in the summer time.  He loved to go down to Red River and fish.  As a kid he used to fish off the dock in Santa Cruz.  His mom would cook anything he brought to her.  He loved to ride motorcycles.  He had a few different Harley Davidsons in his time.  Jim loved to go places and his one of his favorite trips was an Alaskan cruise.  He also liked road trips.  Jim and Jackie went to Denver a few times to see family.  They drove a couple of times all the way out to Santa Cruz, just to smell the trees and the ocean.  The last trip they saw a whale and walked through Henry Cowell Redwood Forrest Park.  It was truly a place that they knew only God could have made. 

Survivors include his wife, Jackie, Grand Forks; daughter, Sara (Brett) Anderson; grandchildren, Logan, Brody and Ava Bye; brothers, Paul (Rhana), Enrico (Madelon), Stephen (Patti), Mike (Rosie) and Tracey (Sallie).

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Christina; his parents; and brother, Gene.  Jim was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather.  He will be greatly missed.  We take great comfort knowing that Chrissy was waiting for him to walk with him through the gates to heaven.

Memorial Services will be 11:00 AM Friday, April 9, 2021 at Amundson Funeral Home of Grand Forks. Visitation will be for the hour before the service in the funeral home. Burial and military honors will be in Calvary South Cemetery of Grand Forks.