James Raymond Goralski

Long-time Jackson Hole, Wyoming resident, Jim Goralski, lost his 8-year battle with cancer on Wednesday, July 9th, passing away at his home in Arizona. He was 78 years old. Jim was surrounded by the 3 most important women in his life - his loving wife of over 43 years, Linda Goralski; and his adoring sisters, Marlene Scott of TN and Barbara (Rick) Slaten of SC. Jim is also survived by his three beautiful nieces: Kelsey Holtzhauer (Grant) of FL, Major Elsbeth Scott USAF (Major Franky Wildermuth USAF) of WA and Erica Slaten (AJ Fasano) of FL. Jim had many other wonderful, supportive relatives and friends spread across Chicago, Minneapolis, Jackson Hole, and AZ, CA & FL. Born in Chicago, he grew up in the southside area known as Bridgeport. His mother, Lucille, passed away shortly after he was born, so his mother’s sister, Aunt Irene Paskvan, raised him. He then spent time with his father (Helen) and his grandmother, Biggy. After graduating from Chicago’s De La Salle Institute, Jim earned his business degree from Lewis College in Lockport, IL. In 1970, he joined the US Army National Guard, serving in the 233rd Engineering Company, training as an Armor Crewman and Tank Commander (M60 tank) at Fort Bragg & Fort Knox, respectively. Honorably Discharged in 1976 as Sergeant E-5. Jim spent most of his professional career in marketing/research/advertising in Minneapolis; Pillsbury, Paragon Advertising, US Communications, Aveus, partner at MH&P Advertising. He loved story writing and won two awards at The Loft Literary Center. Jim wanted to give back to the organization and later served on their Board for several years. Jim also completed his Master of Arts in Liberal Studies at Hamline University to expand his appreciation of writing and other art forms. After an Outward-Bound trip to the MN Boundary Waters, Jim embraced hiking bigtime! He & Linda began taking hiking trips to the Andres and Patagonia in South America, Himalayas in Nepal, Japanese Alps in Japan, the Dolomites & Julian Alps in Europe, and the rain forest of Costa Rica. During a trip to Jackson Hole, he realized this beautiful area was calling him. Goralski; loosely translates from Polish to ‘people from the mountains/highlands.’ After years of repeated visits to Jackson, Jim & Linda moved to Jackson Hole and lived there for over 20 years. Keeping an eye on the art scene, Jim worked at local art galleries, spending over a decade with Heather James Fine Art. He served on the Board for The Murie Center, pARTners, among others. His love of music brought him to KHOL Community Radio Station, where he hosted his Soul in The Hole music show. Jim had a wonderful sense of humor, enjoyed hiking, golf, music, wine dinners and The Bird. His ashes will be scattered in Jackson Hole. Please say a nice word for Jim as he moves onto his next adventure.

James Raymond Goralski

February 17, 1947 - July 9, 2025