James L Wolcott

James Lee Wolcott was born in Glendale, California to Nadine Marie Myhre Wolcott and Clifford Derwood Wolcott. Raised in Austin, Minnesota with his younger Sister Susan. He graduated from Austin High School in 1960.

At the age of 20, Jim joined the Army National Guard, first serving in the Austin Unit, then in Rochester as the First Sergeant. In 1979 Jim was selected to be the State Command Sergeant Major, the senior enlisted position of the Minnesota National Guard. He had distinguished career serving his state and country. Some of his awards included the Army Legion of Merit, Army Meritorious Service medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Humanitarian Service Medal, Minnesota Distinguished Service Medal, Minnesota Medal for Merit medal.

Concurrent with Jim’s 26 year military career, Jim ran a successful State Farm insurance agency in Cottage Grove for over 36 years and also served his city on the Public Works Commission, the planning Zoning Commission, the Economic Development Authority and was elected to the Cottage Grove City Council serving three terms. He received many awards for the city and chamber of commerce for his work. Jim was proud to be a descendant of one of the founding families of the country. He is a direct descendant of Henry O Wolcott who arrive in the colonies in 1630 and a lifetime member of the Wolcott Family Society (formerly The Descendants of Henry O Wolcott Society).

Jim retired to Surprise, Arizona in 2007, where he enjoyed his favorite pastime of Golf and became a fixture at the Sun City Grand dog park with his Westies Iszie and Katie. Jim often described himself as “just a simple soldier”, but to his family, his friends, his colleagues and his community, he was a significant influencer who enthusiastically combined his skill, his expertise and his caring spirit for the benefit of the community. Jim died peacefully on October 18th, 2023 after battling heart disease and cancer. It was his 81st birthday. Jim is survived by his sister, Susan, Son Michael (Rose) and Richard, His granddaughters Samantha, Emily, Isabella, and nephews Colin, Eric, Ian Morrison.

Internment for Jim will be January 19, 2023 at 11:00 AM at National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona. A Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday January 20, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM in the Agua Fria Room at the Cimarron Center in The Grand (17100 W Clearview Blvd, Surprise, AZ 85387). All friends and family welcome to attend the Celebration of Life service.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.surprisefuneralcare.com for the Wolcott family.