James Edward Carufel

He is survived by his wife of 47 years and best friend, Barb; his sister Lorrie Hirman; and his two sons, Cory (Kristi) and Christopher (Haruko). He also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren, Collette and Cayden. Although their time together was short, he adored them and they brought him immense joy. He is preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy and Ben Carufel, and his sisters, Jeanine Cavanaugh and Leanne Affias.

Jim was a staunch believer in education. He graduated with honors from Benilde High School, where he captained the debate team. He received his B.A. magna cum laude from the University of St. Thomas, winning the Wall Street Journal award his senior year, and earned an M.B.A. from the U of MN Carlson School of Management while working full-time.

Professionally, Jim had two successful careers. He held CFO city management positions and served as the youngest-ever President of the Minnesota Government Finance Officers Association. He spent 16 years as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of KTCA/KTCI Public Television—four times winning the top national award for fundraising. His career highlight was serving as project director for the construction and funding of the TPT studio and headquarters in downtown Saint Paul.

Jim’s volunteering spirit began in high school and continued throughout his life, including leadership positions in his church, school district, United Way, Penumbra Theater, and Camp Fire. He enjoyed the outdoors—fishing, camping, hunting, and watching nature from the rustic cabin he built in the north woods without the help of a single power tool. Jim had a full and varied life but he made it clear that nothing was more important to him than family.

Memorials to the charity of your choice.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, December 3, 2025 from 2:30 pm - 6:00 pm at Wulff Woodbury Funeral Home, located at 2195 Woodlane Drive, Woodbury, MN, 55125. Private Interment Gethsemane Cemetery, New Hope, MN.