James Dean Axthelm, age 73, passed away on December 7, 2018 in Mount Vernon, WA, after a long battle with cancer. He was the husband of April Axthelm. They shared 16 beautiful years together.  Jim was born in Ord, Nebraska on September 2, 1945 to Malvin and Erma Axthelm. He was the third of four children. The family moved to Mount Vernon in 1956. Jim attended Mount Vernon High School class of 63. In 1962 Jim married Natalie Cook and they had three sons. They immigrated to Canada where they adopted a son and daughter. The family returned to Mount Vernon in 1984. Jim had extensive experience in the construction industry in both Canada and the United States and was a well-known and respected general contractor. Jim went into partnership with Russell Swett in Axthelm and Swett Construction. After Russell retired, Jim opened Axthelm Construction.

In 2002, Jim married April (Knapp) Walker and embraced and loved her five children as his own. He loved to work and always kept himself busy. Jim also loved to play. In his lifetime, he fished, hunted and traveled. Jim visited many beautiful places around the world including Africa, Europe, Alaska, Peru, Mexico, Guatemala, Ecuador and more.

Jim had a good sense of humor, which he inherited from his mother, and he used it often. He was a happy person and always had a smile on his face. Jim had hands the size of scoop shovels and a heart that was even bigger. He blessed the lives of many people with his kindness.

Jim loved the Lord. He was a disciple of Jesus Christ and a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was a good man, much loved and will be missed by many.

Jim is survived by his loving wife April and children Michael Axthelm of Wisconsin, Brandon (Cindy) Axthelm of Smokey Point, Joshua (Aiden) Axthelm of Mount Vernon, Lana Sweat of Texas, Kelly Axthelm of Vancouver BC, Mindy (Marcelino) Mejia of Mount Vernon, Amber (Brad) McLaughlin of Concrete, Sara Ulrich of Mount Vernon, Courtney Brooks of Mount Vernon, and Shay (Samantha) Walker of Alger. He also leaves behind 29 grandchildren and 5 greatgrandchildren. Jim is survived by his sister Beth (Brent) Weidemann of Anacortes, two brothers Lynn (Gabriele) Axthelm of Mount Vernon and Bill (Jeryl) Axthelm of Beaverton, Oregon, and many beloved cousins.

A funeral and graveside service will be held on Saturday, December 15 ^th at 11:00 at Hawthorne Funeral Home, Mount Vernon, with a reception to follow. Arrangements are under the care of Hawthorne Funeral Home.