COUNCIL #4034 - FREDERICKSBURG REMEMBERS
JAMES A MAETZOLD

 

James Alden Maetzold was a man of God, devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend to so, so many. He left this world way too soon on June 30, 2021 at the age of 83.

Jim was born on August 7, 1937 in Devil's Lake, North Dakota and was a farmer from the time he could remember. After graduating high school, he went on to earn his undergraduate degree in agricultural economics from North Dakota State University where he also served in the US Army ROTC program. After serving three years in the Army Reserves as a First Lieutenant and photographer, Jim went on to earn a masters degree in economics from the University of California at Davis while also taking coursework towards a PhD shortly thereafter.

Most of Jim's career was spent as an economist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture where he most recently led the department’s agri-tourism efforts as a key member of the Natural Resources Conservation Service. He was a master woodworker, gardener, photographer (especially at his grandkid's games), and loved being on the water boating or being towed on his own self-made flotation device. As a devout Catholic, Jim was also an active member of the Knights of Columbus in multiple parishes.

Jim leaves behind his beautiful wife, Lorraine Catherine Maetzold; children Paul Bjarnason, David Bjarnason, and Christine Schoen; and grandchildren Hanna, Nolan, and Krista Bjarnason, Max and Sam Bjarnason, and D.J., Chris, and Amanda Schoen.

The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, July 11 at Covenant Funeral Service, Fredericksburg located at 4801 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Fredericksburg, VA 22408. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, July 12 at Saint Mary Catholic Church located at 1009 Stafford Ave, Fredericksburg, VA 22401. Interment will follow at 12:30 p.m. in Quantico National Cemetery located at 18424 Joplin Rd, Triangle, VA 22172.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Paul Stefan Foundation at paulstefanhome.org/donate.