James Grant Ullestad

Jim was preceded in death by his beautiful wife, Karen Elaine Ullestad, of 54 years. Jim is survived and greatly missed by his three children and their spouses; Nicole and Adam Friedman, Todd and Amy Ullestad, and Jaime and John Heeman. Forever cherished and remembered by his six grandchildren; Cole, Toby, Avery, Michaela, Brandon, and Nicholas. His memory will also live on with his four siblings, their families, and many friends.

Jim spent his childhood in Euclid, Ohio, where he graduated from Euclid High School in 1964. He attended Bowling Green State University where he met the love of his life, Karen. He graduated on June 7, 1968 with a Major in Accounting. Jim married Karen on June 14, 1968 and started to work with IBM on July 1st. He was drafted by the US Army September 27, 1968. He proudly served in Vietnam from 1969-1970 with the 1st Infantry Division and as a paratrooper with the 173rd Airborne Squadron. He achieved rank of staff Sargeant as Airborne combat squad leader. He was awarded two Bronze Stars and two Army Commendation Medals.

After Vietnam, Jim returned to build a successful career with IBM first as a Systems Engineer. He moved up through the ranks as a Systems Engineering Manager and then eventually to the IBM Global Network in Tampa as a Special Projects Manager. He retired from IBM in 1999 and continued his career with AT&T until retiring in June 2007 at the age of 61.

Jim’s favorite things included sci-fi, Star Wars, bowling, golf, Sudoku, his Corvette, and good food. Jim was a proud season ticket holder for the Tampa Bay Lightning since the team’s inaugural season in 1992. Known to his golf buddies as ‘Jimmy”, Jim had a true passion for golf and could be found on the course five days a week. He was proud of his impressive 4 holes in one! If you didn’t find Jim on the course, you could definitely find him in his garage. Over the years, Jim showed his love for his family by being the one they could count on to build or fix just about anything.

In the hearts of his family, his spirit will live on in the stories they share, the traditions they uphold, and the love that will never fade. His determination shaped not only the things he built, but the values he instilled in those around him. Though he was often a man of few words, and strong opinions, the love that he had for his family was undeniable. He may not have been one for grand gestures but his commitment to his loved ones was evident in the quiet moments, the routines, and the shared experiences that will continue long after he is gone. He may no longer be with us, but with the impact of his strength, his resolve, and his love will be felt forever. He will be deeply missed, not just for the person he was but for the quiet force that he was in our lives.