ANCHORAGE, ALASKA – James “Jim” Sartelle, 72, formerly of Barre, passed away on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, in Seattle, Washington, at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health.

Jim was born on August 11, 1954, to Norman Charles and Lucille Rose (Beltrami) Sartelle.

He proudly served in the United States Army, attaining the rank of E-5 and receiving several awards and commendations. During a break from military service, he worked as a police officer in Louisiana.

In the 1990s, Jim lived and worked in Wilsall, Montana, where he served as a big-game hunting guide and instructor at a guide school. During this time, he became an accomplished horseman, guiding hunting trips on horseback.

Jim later moved to Alaska, where he managed a fish-processing facility before serving with the state police as a Village Safety Officer. His final employment was with GCI, a communications company based in Anchorage, where he worked in security and facilities.

He was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and was always ready to share a good story. His faith was important to him, and he loved God and frequently prayed for his family and others. He will be sorely missed by his family and all who knew him.

Jim is survived by his wife, Kanisha; his children, Jamie Sartelle, Shane Sartelle, Jodie Fife, Tom Sartelle, and David Sartelle; his sisters, Diana Hodgkins Leclair, Debra Blondin, Leona Grearson, Marjorie Newton, and Alisa Lussier; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his mother, Lucille; his stepfather, James W. Grearson; and his father, Norman.

In Jim’s memory, those wishing to make a memorial contribution are encouraged to support a veterans’ organization that assists veterans in their daily lives, a cause close to his heart.

A service to honor and celebrate his life will be held on Friday, October 23, 2026, at 11:00a.m at the Hooker and Whitcomb Funeral Home, 7 Academy Street, Barre, VT.