James "Jim" Stuart Fogel

James (Jim) Stuart Fogel, 79, passed away peacefully on May 16, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family — and likely with one final story still left to tell.

Born on February 25, 1947, in Fargo, North Dakota, Jim was the son of Ralph and Zelda Rudd Fogel and was raised in Dilworth, Minnesota. Jim spent summers at his family home on Big Pine Lake where he developed the genuine Midwestern spirit, a strong work ethic and an adventurous streak that would define his life. He never met a stranger, an outdoor activity he didn’t enjoy or a sports game he couldn't enthusiastically comment on.

Jim proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, though he preferred to report his service with absolute precision as “3 years, 7 months, and 21 days,” stationed in Minot, North Dakota. Having successfully survived North Dakota, Jim went on to earn a degree in Recreation from Morehead State University, proving that you can, indeed, major in having a good time.

Jim’s love for the outdoors became both his passion and profession. He moved to Anchorage, Alaska where he worked as the Outdoor Adventure Recreation Director at Elmendorf Air Force Base. There, he managed Eagleglen Golf Course and Hillberg Ski Area while leading outdoor adventure programs that reflected his deep appreciation for nature and recreation.

In a stroke of true sales genius, Jim even sold snow-making equipment to an Alaska ski resort — because, apparently, Alaska just didn't have enough of the white stuff.

During his Alaska years, Jim achieved local notoriety after taking a Kodiak Brown Bear recognized as the largest harvested during 1980–1982 — a story he was never shy about sharing. The bear remains on display in the lobby of the Lakefront Hotel in Anchorage, where Jim would probably be pleased to know it still gets more visitors than most people do.

Known for his warm smile, outgoing nature and endless supply of stories, Jim never missed an opportunity to share tales of his adventures with family, friends, neighbors and occasionally complete strangers who innocently made eye contact. His joy for life, sense of humor and genuine kindness left an impression everywhere he went.

Jim’s stories were rarely ordinary. As a boy, he was once shot for stealing apples and carried the lead with him for the rest of his life — a tale that sounded so unbelievable it only became more entertaining every time he told it. He also proudly hosted legendary entertainer Bob Hope for a round of golf, a memory he considered proof that his golf game was occasionally worthy of celebrity company (though who had the better jokes remains a matter of debate).

Jim was formerly married to Mary Jean Sutton. Together they welcomed two daughters, Dawn and Tiffany. In 1985, he married his best friend and ultimate lifelong adventure partner, Kit Kenney. Together they built a life full of travel, laughter, activity and countless shared memories.

In 1993, Jim and Kit moved to Issaquah, Washington, before eventually settling in Eagle, Idaho, where Jim traveled throughout the Pacific Northwest working for Western Image selling souvenirs. Even in retirement, Jim didn't really believe in sitting still. He and Kit enjoyed spending winters in Sun City Oro Valley, Arizona where he could continue to pursue his outdoor activities.

Jim entered retirement with a grand vision: he boldly claimed he wanted to become a gourmet cook. As it turned out, what he really wanted was to eat gourmet food while someone else did the cooking — a plan he executed with far greater enthusiasm and success. He also enjoyed becoming a wine connoisseur and pairing it with the right meals.

Jim embraced life with remarkable enthusiasm and energy. He loved golfing — proudly recording five career hole-in-ones — as well as skiing, hiking, biking, walking, fishing, hunting and following nearly every sport imaginable. He was an especially devoted fan of the Boise State Broncos and could usually be found cheering them on loudly and confidently, whether they needed coaching from the couch or not.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents; Ralph and Zelda, and survived by his loving wife, Kit; his daughters, Dawn (Ray) and Tiffany; his granddaughters, Alexa and Kayla; his great-grandson, Ezekiel; his brother, David; his sisters, Diane and Lori (David); and five nephews and one niece . He will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered and undoubtedly quoted often by all who knew him.