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JAMES "JIM" Jim was born in St. Paul, MN on July 1st, 1949 to Murray and Dorothy Ersfeld. Jim was the youngest of three siblings and is survived by his two sisters, Betty Swanson (Apache Junction, AZ) and Trish Kahanic (Bakersfield, CA); as well as his wife, Kit; and their children, Mark, Lani, and TJ. Jim attended St. Thomas Academy for his secondary schooling, where he graduated with honors, and was an accomplished athlete and marksman. He furthered his studies at the University of Notre Dame, where he received his BS in Aerospace Engineering. Upon graduation, he attended the University of Minnesota, where he received his MBA. He and his wife, Kit, met on Valentine's Day in 1970 during their studies at Notre Dame. They came from Minnesota to New Mexico in 1979, and moved to their permanent home in Placitas in 1980. Jim was an avid lover of the New Mexican desert and sunshine, and contributed to his community in numerous ways, including volunteering as the Ranchos de Placitas Water Board Treasurer for over 30 years. Jim and Kit began their family with their son Mark in 1981, followed by their daughter Lani in 1983, and their son TJ in 1987. Jim considered raising his children to be his greatest accomplishment and joy. Jim's career as an engineer included contributions to 3M, Digital Equipment Corporation, Emcore, and General Technology Corporation. True to his life-long love of learning, Jim "retired" to pursue his Ph.D. in History at the University of New Mexico. Along the way, he received his BA and Master's degrees, and was a major contributor to the Western Writers of America. As in life, Jim battled his sudden diagnosis of terminal cancer proudly and privately, and passed away gently on November 1st, 2011, surrounded by his loving family. A private service was held near his home, and a memorial placard will be placed in his honor overlooking the deserts that were so dear to him. Friends are welcome to pay their respects and well wishes to Jim and his family, and are invited to contact his wife Kit to make arrangements for doing so. Please share your condolences, sympathies and memories with the family at: www.danielsfuneral.com. Jim's care has been entrusted to: Daniels Family Funeral Service Carlisle Chapel 3113 Carlisle Boulevard, NE Albuquerque, NM 87110 (505) 884-1188
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