He graduated from Grand Junction High School in 1965 and married Enid Renae Sharp on July 31, 1965. They later divorced and he married Darla JoAnn Flowers on August 23, 1980.

In 1972, he moved to Norwood where he worked for the Colorado State Patrol until 1976. He joined Tri-State Electric as a maintenance mechanic and retired in 2009.

He enjoyed golfing, roping, ranch work, hunting, snowmobiling, woodworking, restoring antique tractors, received his pilot’s license, and was an avid reader of westerns, mysteries and his Bible. Jim grew up in the Brethren Church and served as a Deacon at Montrose Christian Church and the Durango Christian Church. He was a member of the Elks and Moose Lodge and the NRA.

Thankful to have shared his life are his children, Lesa (Jim) Childers, Mike (Kelly) Gardner, Connie (Hank) Taylor, Alan (Penny) Bishop and Tiffany (Shawn) Jameson; 13 grandchildren, Colby, Molly, Kelly James, Scott, Markus, Jacey, Shianne, Jess, Coleter, Danielle, Jake, Lilly and Violet; 11 great-grandchildren; his sister, Pat Bernhardt; as well as many other family members.

He was preceded in death

See OBIT by his wife, JoAnn; granddaughter, Alisha Bishop; and his brother, Steve.

Jim’s Life Celebration will be held at 10:30 a.m. September 6 at the Johnstown United Methodist Church, with a lunch reception to follow. Memorial gifts may be made to the “Alzheimer’s Association” for the Longest Day, in care of Young’s Funeral Service, 102 E. Charlotte Street, Johnstown, CO 80534. Condolences may be shared at youngsfunerals.com.