James "Jim" Thomas

Jim Thomas died at the age of 71 on February 28, 2022 in Denver, Colorado.  Jim was born to Trevor and Elizabeth (Boltz) Thomas in Denver, CO.  He graduated from South High School and then went to the University of Northern Colorado.  After time spent as a musician and working construction, Jim went on to a successful career in real estate finance.

Jim married Randy Wells, also of Denver, CO, on August 25, 1973 and together they shared 44 years of marriage before her death in 2017.  Marrying Randy meant entering a family of fly-fishermen and after the proper hazing and training, Jim went on to not only hold his own on the river but to master the art and sport.  Jim was an avid outdoorsman, amateur chef, and long-time fan of the Colorado Buffaloes and Denver Broncos.

A dedicated husband, father, and friend, Jim was the epitome of a good man.  He was tough, kind, and loved a good joke.  Throughout his life, his choices and actions showed us all what it really means to love people unconditionally.  To Jim, there was nothing more important than family.  From helping his mom at a young age to attending swim meets and soccer games in 3-piece suits, Jim was dedicated to his family.  Most recently, his greatest joy was spending time with his grandson and namesake, Thomas James Worden.  Jim insisted on (at least) weekly family dinners to stay close to the action.

Over the years, Jim persevered through many health problems that he fought head on with determination, grace, and a remarkably positive attitude.  His most recent battle was with a rare form of central nervous system lymphoma that unfortunately proved to be too much – he developed complications from an extended hospital stay associated with the treatments and eventually passed away at The Denver Hospice inpatient care center.

Jim is survived by his children, Kelly (James Worden) and Jesse Thomas, and his grandson Tom Worden, all of Denver.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 1091 S. Colorado Boulevard (at Mississippi Avenue), Denver, CO 80246 on Saturday April 2, 2022 at 1pm with an off-site reception to follow.

If desired, donations can be made in his honor to Partners in Literacy (go to www.partnersinliteracy.org and click on the Donate tab OR send by mail to Partners in Literacy 848 Jackson Street, Denver, 80206).  Partners in Literacy is a Denver grassroots nonprofit that supports reading communities in elementary and middle schools and is where Jim got and gave great joy as a reading volunteer.

Please share memories of Jim and condolences with his family on the Tribute Wall.