James Arthur Westphall

About James

James Westphall of Saint Paul, MN passed away peacefully after a courageous fight against cancer. He was a devoted husband, incredible dad, amazing grandpa, wonderful great grandpa, skilled pipefitter, great friend, and a lover of the outdoors. Jim lived a life defined by hard work, deep faith, and a generous heart.

Jim is survived by his one true love, Cindy, whose love and companionship were his greatest sources of joy during their 48 years of marriage. Together, they built a home filled with laughter, and the kind of steady, enduring love that inspires everyone who knew them.

An avid outdoorsman, Jim found peace and purpose in nature. Deer hunting was more than a pastime for him; it was a tradition, and a time of reflection. Many of his favorite memories came from crisp early mornings in the woods, sharing that special time with family and friends.

Jim lived a life defined by dedication, hard work, and quiet strength. Before joining the army, he spent his early years working on the family farm, where he learned the value of perseverance and gained a deep appreciation for the land . Those lessons stayed with him as he proudly served in the Army, carrying his work ethic and sense of responsibility into every duty. Later in life, Jim happily volunteered at the Disabled Veteran’s camp in Hugo, MN. Jim’s legacy is one of service, resilience, and a lifelong commitment to both his country and the humble roots that shaped him.

Jim dedicated his professional life to the craft of pipefitting for local 455, a career he approached with skill, integrity, and a strong work ethic. He took pride in a job done right and in the camaraderie of the tradespeople he worked alongside. Jim volunteered at HEAT’s ON, a volunteer effort that provides service and repairs of elderly, disabled, and low-income homeowners furnaces. His contributions to the field—and the countless lives he touched through it—leave a lasting mark.

Jim’s life was rich with love, loyalty, and purpose. Though he will be deeply missed, the legacy he leaves behind will continue to guide and inspire all who knew him.

Jim was preceded in death by parents, Arthur and Shirley Westphall; granddaughter Madilynn Thurber; sisters, Donna Mahowald, Jan Ahmann, Barbara Graham; brother, Raymond Westphall; nephew Jason Hagen.

Jim was survived by his one true love, Cindy Westphall; children, Nicholas (Rachel) Donaldson, Nathanial (Danielle) Westphall, Sarah (Chad) Soderlind, Deanna (Colt) Westphall; grandchildren, Nicholas, Jocelyn, Wayne, Staci, Nathanial Jr, Lacy, Emma, Gabrielle, Hunter, Zoey, Robbie, Jonathon; great grandchildren, Dorian, Bentley; Siblings, Ruth (Gary) Hagen, Peggy (Greg) Peltier, Mike (Teresa) Westphall, Dawn Blomquist, Dave Westphall.

Please join us in celebrating Jim’s life at Maternity of Mary’s church, 1414 Dale St N,

St Paul, MN 55117, on Wednesday December 10th, 2025. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m., with a service to follow at 11:00 a.m. Jim’s interment will be at a later date at Fort Snelling.