James Glasston

James “Jim” Glasston, born on March 30, 1955 in Burlington, Vermont, passed away peacefully at home with his wife and daughter by his side on March 4, 2022. He lived his 66 years of life to the very fullest. Jim was incredibly devoted to his family and generously giving to others. He was one of kind with the sharpest wit and a cunning sense of humor. You could spot him from a mile away by his unique sense of style, his classic framed glasses and his eccentric hairstyle. He was a loving and wonderful husband, father, grandfather and brother. He was a mentor, confidant, and friend to many.

Preceded in death by his parents, Merle J. Glasston and Edna R. Glasston, Jim grew up in Lake George and Glens Falls, New York; graduating from Glens Falls High School in 1973. As a young adult, he was awarded a full college scholarship as the result of scoring the highest SAT scores in his region. Following two years at the State University of New York at Buffalo, where he studied with the poet Robert Creeley, among others, Jim spent several years in New Orleans before making his way West to join extended family in Tucson, Arizona.

Jim had a successful career spanning over 30 years in the environmental field of the copper mining industry. He held numerous positions through the years at Magma, BHP Properties and Freeport-McMoRan Copper and Gold. He retired and finished his career in 2019 as a Chief Environmental Engineer at Freeport-McMoRan. Jim was known as a proficient teacher, speaker and writer. He was a huge advocate for mentoring younger generations entering mining and creating an equal rights work environment along with having an exceptional work ethic. Anyone at work knew his “door was always open for help.”

Jim had a voice that could calmly command the room and he was a natural leader. He devoted his time and passion to what he loved most in life, his family and his animals. He enjoyed and took pride in taking care of his homes, especially renovating his historic home with his wife in Safford, Arizona. His interests ranged from landscaping, off-road exploring, antique collecting, sightseeing unique places in Arizona and New Mexico, trying his luck out at the casino, and staying current on politics and world events. He was an avid reader, newshound, and huge baseball fan.

Jim had a heart of gold. He believed in helping those in need, whether it was a person or an animal. He always fought for the underdog or anyone he felt had been treated unjustly. He cared deeply for two- and four-legged souls that had no homes. Jim was a man who left an unrivaled influence on people who knew him. He fought a courageous battle for two years and was always stoic the whole time. Jim will be profoundly missed as a trusted and beloved husband, father, stepfather, grandfather, brother, friend, boss and good neighbor. Many friends and family would refer to him as “Simply the Best!”

Jim is survived by his wife of 28 years, Patricia “Patti”, his daughter Tiffani (Reggie), his stepson Paul, two granddaughters Hannah and Ellie, and his three sisters Meg Glasston (Tony Fortes), Hannah Glasston (Patrick Hynes), Ellen Glasston and four nephews.

In lieu of flowers and if you feel inclined, please donate to Southern Arizona Humane Society in honor of Jim. Per Jim’s request, he will be laid to rest at East Lawns Palm Cemetery Tuesday March 15, 2022. A private family service will be held in his honor.