James "Jim" Rodney Paulsen

James (Jim) Rodney Paulsen, age 80, died on December 31st, 2020 after a brief illness. He was born in Fredonia, Kansas on September 21st, 1940 to Harry and Lillie (Olsen) Paulsen. Jim was united in marriage to Janet Sue Hedrick on March 25th, 1961 at the Methodist Church in Fredonia. He received a Bachelor’s Degree of Education and Math Theory in1964 and a Master’s of Science Degree, both from Kansas State College, in Pittsburg, Kansas.
Jim was a longtime resident of Goodland, Kansas and was an active member of the community from 1966 until he moved to Topeka, Kansas in 2018. He was an instructor in the Engineering Technical Department at Northwest Kansas Technical College, in Goodland, from 1965 until his retirement in 2003. Jim was a dedicated, highly respected teacher, who took great pride in the accomplishments of his students. He was also a lifetime member of the Career and Technical Education Association.
Jim was a member of Goodland Lodge #321, A.F. & A.M., where he served as Worshipful Master, District Deputy Grand Master and Area Coordinator. He was a High Priest and Luxurious Master with York Rite Columbia Commandery #38 and a Cross of Honor Shriner affiliated with Isis Temple of Salina, Kansas.
In his spare time, Jim enjoyed golfing, pheasant and quail hunting, fly fishing in Colorado, playing cards and spending time with his family. He enjoyed making friends at the Prairie Band Casino and Resort near Topeka.
Jim was briefly survived by his wife, who passed away on January 1, 2021. Surviving family members include his daughter, Jodi Paulsen, of Willow Springs, Missouri, and a grandson, Shayne Paulsen of West Plains, Missouri. He was predeceased by his parents, his sister, Nancy Howell, and by his son, John Mark Paulsen, who died in 2013.
Due to COVID-19 related protocols, a private memorial service will be held at a later date in Fredonia, Kansas. Memorial donations may be made to Shriner's Hospitals for Children or, a charity of one's choice.