James Emmett

Dr. James Emmett III, of Greeley, Colorado, passed away peacefully at the age of 78 with his faithful dog, Bella, on his lap, April 24, 2018. In spite of his struggle with Parkinson’s, he never lost his wicked wit, or his positive spirit. Dr. Jim was also always ready with a kind word, a great story, or an "unusual” joke. Creative til the end, he was constantly drawing, inventing, and learning about life. Dr. Emmett was born in Hinsdale, Illinois, on February 22, 1940, the son of James Emmett, Jr & Frances Eugenia (Longpre) Emmett. On August 25, 1962, in Parma, Ohio, Dr. Jim married the love of his life, Judith Ann Gibbs. He graduated from the University of Wyoming with a Bachelor of Science, and a Master of Science in Animal Husbandry. He received his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Colorado State University in 1972. He spent his career at West Ridge Animal Hospital, specializing in orthopedic surgeries and treating wild birds. He loved his work, cherished his employees, and helped encourage many young veterinarians to practice medicine with his sense of kindness and compassion. He was certified to work on wild animals, and helped the US Fish and Wildlife Service treating injured raptors, raccoons, deer and even a trio of foxes. He was an avid scuba diver, and he and Judy dove with manta rays, whale sharks and even hammerhead sharks. As fly fisherman, he tied many of his own flies, including the infamous "Dr. Jim”. Dr. Emmett is survived by his children, Elizabeth A. Emmett (Kamerin), and James T. Emmett (IV); stepdaughters Jenni Emmett Duenez and Mariah Crowe; 3 grandchildren, Benjamin S. Kamerin, Christopher J. Kamerin, of California and James Noah Emmett V; of Greeley, Colorado; siblings, Richard L. Emmett of Durango, CO and Mary S. Emmett, of Magnolia Springs, Alabama and a large loving extended family. He was preceded in death by his wife Judy, parents and many beloved pets. A party to celebrate of his life is planned for May 12, 2018 at 4:00 p.m., Magnolia Field and Orchard 500 9th Street, Greeley, CO. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Weld County Humane Society, The Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinsons, or the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.