James Bernard Goldie

James “Jim” Bernard Goldie was born on January 4, 1958, to John Howard Goldie and Claudia Ruth Bevis in Fontana, California. He was the fourth of ten children from blended and collective families. Jim was called home to his eternal rest with Jesus on September 3, 2025.

Jim grew up in California and graduated from Pacific High School in San Bernardino, CA. After moving to Arizona, he attended construction school in Tucson for electrical construction. He went on to work for Williamson Electric, Sellers & Sons, and Ridgepoint Electric before starting his own company, Goldie Electric, which he faithfully ran for 24 years before retiring.

On June 6, 1987, Jim married Elaine Rae Welfare at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Tucson, AZ. The Lord blessed their marriage with three children, and Jim also cherished his child from a previous marriage. His children are: Ryan Leigh Goldie, Christa Rae Kassulke, Matthew James Goldie, and Lisa Marie Deitering. Jim loved playing his guitar at home, with friends, and in church. Music was one of his greatest joys, and he enjoyed listening to his favorite artists including The Beatles, Heart, Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Glen Campbell and many other classic rock greats. He also loved watching concerts on television and sharing music with those he loved. He treasured listening to his wife, children, and grandchildren play piano, filling the house with melodies that made his heart full. 

Beyond music, James had a passion for classic cars—especially his 1966 blue Pontiac—and for the simple joys of life. He had a sweet tooth for chocolate and ice cream, loved cooking family favorites like chili verde and cabbage rolls, and found joy in brushing his daughters’ and granddaughters’ hair. 

Jim was baptized on November 17, 1987, at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Tucson, AZ. In 1997, his family became members at Grace Lutheran Church in Tucson, where Jim was active in leading the praise band. He enjoyed using his musical gifts to glorify God and enrich the worship life of the congregation. In 2024, he and his family transferred membership to Redeemer Lutheran Church in Marana, where they continued their devotion to the Lord’s Word.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, John and Claudia, and his sister, Janice Koppen. He is survived by his beloved wife of 38 years, Elaine Rae Goldie; his children Ryan Leigh Goldie, Christa (Jacob) Kassulke, Matthew (Jessica) Goldie, and Lisa (Brett) Deitering; and his grandchildren Nicole McNamara, Ronda McNamara, Savannah Kassulke, Harper Kassulke, Noah Goldie, Violet Kassulke, Maeve Deitering, Raylen Goldie, Vera Kassulke, Micah Goldie, and Kya Deitering. Of all his titles, “Papa” was the one he cherished most. He is also survived by his sisters Jennette (Scott) Sneary, Joyce (Jim) Champion, Judy Cripe, Shannon Gilmore, Kathy Goldie; his brothers John Goldie, Jef Boyd, Glenn (Nancy) Boyd; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Jim leaves behind a legacy of kindness, laughter, music, and devotion to family. His presence will be deeply missed but lovingly remembered by all who knew him.