James D. Belt

Jim will be deeply missed by family and friends alike. He died Saturday, February 7, 2009, of an apparent heart attack. Born to Ruth and C.D. Belt of Denver, Colorado, on December 31, 1946, he was the youngest of three sons. His passions for making creative gizmos and for photography, his intelligence, his quirky, ever-ready sense of humor, and his deeply sentimental caring for others delighted his parents and brothers (John and Bob) throughout childhood. These were the gifts he continued to bring to so many throughout his lifetime. Educationally, he achieved Masters Degrees in both Business Administration and Healthcare Administration. His career included ownership of JD Hardware stores, accounting work for not-for-profit agencies, and, most recently, accounting for Columbine Country Club. His avocation was to support the Denver Broncos; rain or shine, win or lose. Family members reflect on his devotion, his patience, and his expressions of love through making cool things for people, bringing laughter and joy; always unique ways of making people feel special. He lovingly recorded family occasions with zillions of photographs, just as he had recorded high school and college events by running along the sidelines with his camera for every football game and special event. Always the observer, always wanting to capture the joy of the moment. He was married twice; for the last seventeen years to Jan Belt, and earlier to Maxine Ellis Belt. He was a patient, highly involved step-father to six step-daughters; Jamie and Jennie Bohner, and Cindy Ellis Long, Ella Ellis Deutchman, Liz Ellis, and Debbie Ellis. Jim's last years seemed especially happy with new passions for golf, more fun creating an elaborate putt-putt course and, along with his wife, Jan, creating endless gizmos to make Bronco parties and holidays a delight. He was a talented and lovable guy.