M. James "Jim" Palmer

Jim was born on August 10, 1934, in Chadron, Nebraska, the youngest child of Thomas and Dorothy Palmer. He grew up alongside his twin older sisters, Wanda and Juanita.

He attended Chadron State Teachers College High School, where he excelled in basketball and was a proud member of the team that won the Class C Nebraska State Championship in the 1951–1952 season. He continued his education at Chadron State College, studying Art.

In 1954, Jim enlisted in the United States Navy and honorably served for four years as an aerial photographer aboard the aircraft carrier USS Oriskany.

In 1961, Jim married Judith (Judy) Werner, and together they raised three children: Peter, Robert, and Nancy. Jim loved outdoor activities with his children, including camping, baseball, basketball, and marching band events. Always competitive, he was known to play hard in friendly games, sometimes throwing an elbow if you charged the lane during a basketball game. He also welcomed Jackie, Margaret, and Ronnie into his life as feisty high schoolers. He shared his artistic talents by volunteering to do makeup for his daughter-in-law’s high school drama program. He also cared for her niece while her parents worked.

Jim worked as a real estate broker and served several years as a pastor in the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, where he also led the senior youth group in their famous annual Halloween Fright House. Jim found joy in life’s simple pleasures. He read the printed edition of the newspaper religiously every day and loved walking on the beach. He was famously devoted to coffee and made friends with many a Starbucks barista along the way.

In 1994, Jim married Beth Sochis Gutenplan and helped raise her children, Julie and Joshua. Together, Jim and Beth shared a love of ballroom dancing and were often admired on the dance floor. They also enjoyed gardening, traveling, and bicycle riding together. Beth truly cherishes her close, loving relationships with Jim’s children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Jim is survived by his wife, Beth; his children, Peter (Jackie), Robert (Margaret), Nancy (Ron), Ronnie (Larisa), Julie (Chris), and Joshua (Kelly); his grandchildren, Paisley (Matt), Krista (Joshua), Allen (Serenah), Mitchell, and Amelie; and his great-grandchildren, Henry and Olivia. He was preceded in death by his great-grandchild, Collette.

A graveside service with military honors will be held at 11:15 a.m. on March 30, 2026, at Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Drive, San Diego, CA 92122. The service will be followed by a meal of condolence at the home of Beth Palmer.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to: