James G. Palmborg

James Glenn Palmborg passed away on January 31, 2025, at his home in Cape Canaveral, Florida. Jim was born in Westbrook, Connecticut and was the son of Ralph Halvard and Mabel Doane Palmborg. He often recounted mischievous adventures with his cousins and friends growing up in the 1742 historic residence that had been home to five generations of his family. His earliest ancestors date back as passengers on the Mayflower voyage which terminated at Plymouth, New England, December,1620. Jim graduated from Westbrook High School and earned a Navy ROTC scholarship to Tufts University. He played varsity lacrosse at Tufts where he was a New England All Star. Lacrosse became a life-long passion and one that he played and followed throughout adulthood including as an officer in the many local leagues where he was stationed. In 1966 he graduated from Tufts with a degree in engineering and was commissioned as an ensign in the United States Navy. He later graduated from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California. For the next 25 years, Jim served in the naval construction field and traveled the world. During the Vietnam era, he was stationed in Thailand with the Seabees of the Thirtieth Naval Construction Regiment providing support in Vietnam to the U.S. Military Forces. He served a long tour of duty at the U.S. Naval Station in Rota, Spain, where he was the officer in charge of Naval facilities. After retiring from the Navy, he joined Sverdrup Engineering where he continued to provide architectural and engineering services to government facilities and engineering command initiatives including U.S. embassies in Yemen and Jordan. He received numerous commendations and awards throughout his military career. In 1998 he married the love of his life and dancing partner Tina Carroll and settled in Charlottesville, Virginia, where he spent the remainder of his career at Charlottesville Public Works serving the community as Utilities Director. Friends and family knew that spending time with Jim came with adventures whether he was running with the bulls in Spain, hiking the many trails of the national parks, meandering through international cities and country sides, spending an afternoon at Virginia vineyards or morning walks on the beach in Cape Canaveral. When getting in a car with Jim, family and friends never knew where they would end up. He was predeceased by his mother and father, brother, Rodney and stepdaughter Kristen Michelle Carroll. He leaves behind his wife Kristina Carroll Palmborg, sister-in-law Mary Hamilton; nieces Kirsten (Palmborg) Garrard; Kara (Palmborg) Cadagan; great nephew James Cadagan; and great niece Suzanne Cadagan. Also, many dear friends who will remember his warmth, humor and kindness. The family kindly suggests donations be made to Disabled American Veterans (http.help.dav.org). This volunteer organization's mission is to support veterans and their families. The family will celebrate Jim's life in the Blue Ridge mountains of Virginia.