James Thurber

82, of Lakewood, passed away peacefully June 30, 2014. James, known to all as “Jim,” was born in Stillwell, Oklahoma before moving to Grand Junction, Colorado with his mother. Having only completed his sophomore year of high school, he chose life experience for the rest of his education. He worked the oil rigs in Texas and joined the Army in 1952, serving in Germany. In 1960, he was working at Law & Sons Casket Company when he went to a VFW picnic and set eyes on his soon-to-be wife, Dorothy. It only took 6 weeks to convince her to marry him! They started their life together with children, Paula & Jamie, who were quickly joined by Jane, Lori & Marla for a “his, mine and ours” family. Their marriage survived 51 years, when Dorothy preceded him in death in 2012. To support the family he followed his entrepreneurial spirit and opened Highland Interiors and decorated homes throughout Denver. He was known for his hand-made cornices and “French” swags. Real show stoppers in the 60s and 70s! He followed that career as a carpet salesman and then all-around handyman. Toss in a stint as a teacher of Dale Carnegie’s principles and a patent for a coat hanger – some of you might still have one or two in your closet! He moved from suits and ties to coveralls and work hats. His unfiltered cigarettes, and later his pipe, were character staples. He was a “tinkerer” and collector – of all things. You need only explore the nearly 100 cigar boxes to find brackets, motors, switches, chains, gears, well, you get the idea. He loved planting his garden and reaping the harvests. More than a few were gifted with his over-producing grapevine and squash plants. He was a veracious reader and learned through trial and error. He designed homes, envisioned perpetual motion machines and left a legacy of rock gardens extraordinaire. He was quick with a “saucy” story or joke and with a great deal of pride he shared the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren. Family was first and foremost and in his death he was surrounded by them all. He is survived by his children, Paula Brinton, James (Judy) Thurber, Jane (Ken) Dvorak, Lori (Jeff) Nelson and Marla (Andrew) Rapley; 10 grandchildren, Frank (Jen), Adam & Mark Kuchyt; Samantha Thurber, Kyla, Bridget & Dan Dvorak; Zach & Luke Nelson; Paige Rapley and 2 great grandchildren, Bryson & Addison Kuchyt. Memorial Service and Life Celebration Monday, July 7, 1:30 p.m., at Lakewood United Church of Christ, 100 Carr Street, Lakewood.