James W. Sellstrom (Papaw), age 93 years, of Austin, Texas, passed away on July 26, 2020, in Austin. Jim was born at home on the family farm in Merrilltown, Travis County, Texas near Round Rock, Texas to Beda Stark and Rudolph Sellstrom on March 30, 1927. He was always proud of being 100% Swedish and always living in Travis County his whole life.
Jim attended Merrilltown Community School, a one room school house. He rode his horse to school and back with a lunch pail from his mom. Jim graduated from Round Rock High School in 1945. Two weeks after graduation he was drafted into the U. S. Army. Basic Training was at Camp Fannin in Tyler, Texas. Jim was stationed in Germany from 1945 -1946 with the U. S. Constabulary (Peace Keepers of the Army of Occupation Forces). Jim married the prettiest girl in south Austin, Jean Quist on July 14, 1949 in Austin. They met on a blind date and married 3 months later. He worked for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company for 40 years as an installer and lineman. Jim enjoyed Antique Cars, Farm Tractors, Traveling, Gardening and Family. He was a member of Central Texas Chevy Club, Texas Swedish Pioneers, VASA, St. John's Presbyterian Church and Camp Fannin Association. Jim (Papaw) was happiest when he was around family and all the grandchildren and great grandchildren. He will be missed by everyone for his happiness, caring and compassion.
Jim is survived by his sister Gloria Warren, sister-in-law Ruby Sellstrom, brother-in-law Welton Springer and sister-in-law Karen Hambrick. Children: David and Kathy Sellstrom, Liz and Leslie Cadwallader and Jon and Shannon Sellstrom. Grandchildren: Rebecca Kelly, Matthew/Jessica Cadwallader, Dustin/ Meredith Sellstrom, Sarah Sellstrom, Shane Sellstrom, and Cameron/ Merrie Jo Sellstrom. Great Grandchildren: Colton Kelly, Luke and Anna Cadwallader, Hudson and Tanner Sellstrom, Scout and Coy Sellstrom. He is survived by many nieces, nephews and very special first cousins. Jim is preceded in death by his wife Martha Jean Quist Sellstrom of 65 years. Parents Rudolph and Beda Sellstrom, Brother: George Sellstrom, Sister: Ginger Springer, Brother-in-laws: Clifford Warren, Beau Hambrick and Jack Quist, and Sister-in-laws: Frances Quist and Barbara Quist.
Memorial donations may be made to The American Cancer Society or the charity of your choice.
Funeral service will be private.
Tributes
Shirley H. Lukenbill wrote on Aug 11, 2020:
"I met James at Brookdale Westlake00
Hills when I was there being rehabilitated after surgery. A friend Carol Dittlinger Ideker introduced him to me. We had a great time talking about Austin and our shared history. I was able to visit with him one more time before I was discharged. He left an indelible mark on me! He was so much fun to talk to! I am Shirley H.Lukenbill and I?m currently living in Cedar Park, TX."
Irene Deming wrote on Aug 5, 2020:
"So Long fellow TROOPER. i KNOW YOU WILL BE GREETED BY ALL YOUR COMRADES.
You all are a special breed of men.Your name will be ongoing by all your kin. I will miss those chats too. Irene Deming"
Lee Gully wrote on Jul 31, 2020:
"Jim was a good and a great person he was the kind of man that would do and anything for you.I have known him for over 50 years he was always a great friend.He will greatly missed. "
Jerry Bukowsky wrote on Jul 30, 2020:
"Jim was dedicated to his family and his job.My condolences to his family"
Sam Lazenby wrote on Jul 30, 2020:
"Jim was one of the kindest souls I have ever had the pleasure of working with. From Bingo to Scenic Trips, Lunch Outings to Museum Visits, Jim was always up for an adventure. He will be greatly missed by all of his peers and dear friends. My prayers are with you, Sellstrom family. "
Liz Heiling wrote on Jul 30, 2020:
"So sorry to learn of Jim?s passing. Worked with Jim at Southwestern Bell for many years. Jim and Jean were the perfect pair! He was a loyal, dedicated and conscientious worker and friend; a prince of a man!
Thoughts and prayers to the family, God Bless, Liz Heiling"
Kay Coker wrote on Jul 29, 2020:
"Uncle Jim was a wonderful uncle. My condolences to all his family. He was loved and will be missed. He is now with his beautiful bride and the rest of the family waiting for him in heaven. He is longer in pain but at peace. Love Kay"
Mia wrote on Jul 29, 2020:
"We were newcomers in Jim?s life at Brookdale; I know my mother will miss her walking buddy terribly. Condolences to the entire family. "
Pat Kelly wrote on Jul 29, 2020:
"Our hearts go out to Jim?s family. Jim was a special man and easy going. I worked with Jim for a year or two at Southwestern Bell station on Oltorf in late 1960?s. We have been neighbors for 40 years on Kellywood off of Wyldwood.
Pat Kelly"