Carl Rolfes

Carl James (Jim) Rolfes, 80, passed away peacefully at home in Aurora Colorado on September 12, 2020.

He was born April 22, 1940 in Harrison Ohio and was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Jeanette Campbell Rolfes, his sister Gerry Dole, all of Harrison, and his “Second Mom” Ruth Nye Dobson of Colorado Springs.

Jim is survived by Kathy, his loving wife of 52 years, and his dear children Greg (Darian) Rolfes and Lisa (Jared) Tabb and his grandchildren, Madelynn, Nathan, and Ely.  He is fondly remembered by his southwestern Ohio family, including his brother-in-law, Jim Dole, niece Linda Dole (Jeff) Mueller, nephews Mike (Risa) Dole, Mark (Jeanette) Dole, and Doug (Lee Anne) Dole along with their families.  Jim is also lovingly remembered by his Charlottesville Virginia family, sister-in-law Alice Nye (John) Fitch and nephew Chris (Ashley) Fitch and their children.

As a youth, Jim was positively influenced by his large, caring Rolfes and Campbell families. He often spoke of lessons learned as he explored nearby farms and woodlands, pretending to be a scout with Lewis and Clark. He graduated in 1958 from William Henry Harrison High School where he lettered in Wildcat football and participated in track and field.  Shortly after graduation Jim headed west and worked for two years as a firefighter with the California Forest Service.  He served four years with the United States Air Force at McChord Air Force Base in Tacoma Washington. He was a fiercely patriotic American, holding several officer positions and serving as a member in American Legion, Lions Club, and Sertoma International.

In 1964 Jim began a forty year career with the film industry when he was hired as manager of the Ute Theatre in Colorado Springs.  The company at that time was Cooper Theatres, and he progressed with the company as it changed hands over the years to Cooper Highland, Commonwealth, United Artists, and Regal Cinemas.  He served as District Manager for several states before retiring in 2002 to enjoy his retirement in Colorado City, Colorado.  As a retiree, Jim enjoyed his part-time job at Hollydot Golf Course along with frequent rounds of golf.  He loved living in the beautiful shadow of Greenhorn Mountain and San Isabel National Forest.

Jim was an avid outdoorsman, with a lifelong love of camping, fishing, and boating with his family and good friends.  He enjoyed traveling along the Oregon and Santa Fe Trails, learning about pioneer history. His pastimes included landscaping, cooking, reading, and cheering on the Denver Broncos.  Jim held tightly to his Christian faith through many illnesses and he valued the teaching and the many friends made while attending Valley Community Church in Colorado City.

Cremation has taken place and the family will be holding a private memorial for Jim in his beloved mountains next month.

The family plans a public memorial when restrictions are lifted.