James "Jim" Paul Sarafolean

James P. Sarafolean, age 82, of Waterford, Michigan died peacefully Saturday October 5th, 2019, in Pontiac, Michigan. He is survived by his six children: David (Rhonda) Sarafolean, James (Kristie) Sarafolean, Patrick (Jane) Sarafolean, Timothy Sarafolean, Anne (Ronald) French, and Laurie Runk; his eleven grandchildren: Katie (TJ), Kyle, Nick, Amanda, Emily, J.J., Theresa (fiancé Kevin), John, Danielle, Michael, and Rachel; his great granddaughter Blakely; and three siblings: Michael (Charlotte), Mary (Robert), and Anthony. His parents Peter and Anne Sarafolean, wife Arlene, and brother Peter Sarafolean preceded him in death.

James was born on September 2, 1937 in St. Paul, Minnesota, the eldest son of Peter and Anne Sarafolean. He grew up in South St. Paul and graduated from South St. Paul High School. Soon after he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and proudly served our country from 1956-1959. After serving in the Marine Corps, James returned home to South St. Paul to marry the love of his life, Arlene Lindgren, on June 13th, 1959. James began his career with Univac and transitioned to Honeywell where he helped produce audio equipment used on NASA’s Apollo program. Together, he and Arlene raised a young family as he pursued a business degree at the University of Minnesota. In 1972, James left Honeywell to embark on a new career in sales and marketing for the Joseph Schlitz Brewing Company. Corporate transfers took James and his young family on a journey through seven states with eventual transfer to the Stroh Brewing Company, Detroit, Michigan. He retired from Stroh’s and settled in Waterford, Michigan with Arlene. James enjoyed the best that these places had to offer and bestowed his sense of adventure on his children.

Throughout his life, James valued learning, cherished his faith, and enjoyed many outdoor activities as an avid hunter, fisherman, and boater. He had fond memories of salmon fishing trips on the Great Lakes and loved to spend time on or near water. The love for his children and grandchildren was immeasurable. He will be greatly missed.

Memorial Mass will be held Tuesday, October 22, 2019 at 11:00am (Memorial Gathering 10:00am) at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 789 17th Avenue North, South St. Paul, Minnesota 55075. Burial with Military Honors will be held at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

Those desiring may consider memorial contributions to the Wounded Warrior Project or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.