James L. DeVries

Obituary James LeRoy DeVries, age 84, passed away on Sunday April 10th, 2016 at his residence following a lengthy illness. James was born on a farm near Andover, South Dakota to Thomas and Diana (Kraai) DeVries. He was baptized in the United Methodist Church in Andover. He attended a country school for eight years and graduated from Andover High in 1949. James farmed with his parents and neighbors until 1951. He then joined the Air Force and served in the United States and Greenland. James was honorably discharged in December 1955. Jim married Audrey Olson on May 23, 1954. Two children were born to them, Michael (Erlyn) DeVries and Barbara (Mark) Gellhaus. James managed a grain elevator, worked for Burlington Northern Railroad, and South Dakota Wheat Growers until his retirement in April, 1994. Jim and Audrey enjoyed traveling throughout the United States. In his free time, Jim loved to garden, often sharing his produce with family and friends. When living in South Dakota, James enjoyed hunting. He also was a part of the masonic lodge Coteau #0054. Jim and Audrey resided many years in Bristol, South Dakota prior to moving to Fort Collins, Colorado in 2002 to be close to their daughter and son-in-law. Following his move to Colorado, Jim continued gardening and began constructing birdhouses, which he loved giving to bird lovers. Jim is survived by his wife Audrey, which he was married to almost 62 years; son Michael and Erlyn DeVries of Sunland, California; daughter Barbara and Mark Gellhaus, Fort Collins, Colorado; brother Robert and Sibylle DeVries of Niceville, Florida; sister-in-law Marie DeVries, Lead, South Dakota; sister Margaret Lofquist, Mesa, Arizona, and sister Deborah and Rod Garwood, Wayne, Nebraska. There are also cousins, nieces, and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, sister Myrtle DeVries, brother Ron DeVries, nieces Terri Lofquist and Lisa DeVries, and nephew Kevin DeVries. Jim was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Fort, Collins Colorado. Memorial contributions can be made to the Pathways Hospice and First United Methodist Church. SERVICES Memorial Service Monday, June 27, 2016 2:00 PM First United Methodist church 1005 Stover Street Fort Collins, Colorado 80524 Read More Services You can still show your support by sending flowers directly to the family, or by planting a memorial tree in the memory of James L. DeVries