James Gould

James Gould, age 90, died in his sleep in Littleton Colorado.  He was born and raised in Detroit Michigan.  After graduating from High School he enlisted in the Marine Corps and rose to the rank of Sargent.  His service included battle duty during the Korean war, and received three battle stars, including one for the Battle of Chosin Reservoir.   Upon returning from the war, he followed in his father’s footsteps and became an engineer for the Detroit School system a position he held for 30 years.  Soon after going to work, he met and married Loetta L. Krewson, his beloved wife of 67 years.  Together they had two children, Barbara and Robert.

During his working years in Detroit, he had many hobbies, including Scuba diving, hunting, skiing and motorcycle riding.  He served as a consultant/volunteer for the Detroit Police Department when underwater duty was needed.  James’ had extended family in Canada, Missouri and Mexico.  His skiing adventures took he and his family to Mt. Tremblant, Georgian Peaks, Blue Mountain, and Banff.  Domestically he skied at Jackson Hole in Wyoming, Aspen and Vail in Colorado, and of course skied at many Michigan resorts.  With his engineering skills, James and his wife Loetta built two homes.  The first was a vacation home in northern Michigan, with property for motorcycle riding and proximity to Sheridan Valley Ski Resort.  The second was a major undertaking of a large log home in Pinewood Springs, Colorado, which was their home after retirement.  His retirement “jobs” included being the caretaker at the Stanley Hotel and was active in the local chapter of Veterans of Foreign Wars.  As they got older, James and Loetta decided to move to Florida to avoid shoveling snow, and they lived in Tarpon Springs, Florida, for 11 years.  Shortly before their passing, they returned to Colorado to be near their daughter, Barbara.

James is survived by his daughter, Barbara Gould Smith, son-in-law Brad Smith, son Robert, grandsons Matthew Smith, Michael Smith, Nathan Smith, granddaughter Annamaria Smith, and one great-granddaughter, Lucy Ellen Louise Smith.  A funeral Rosary will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 22, at Horan and McConaty Funeral home in Littleton, Colorado.  A funeral Mass will be held on Dec. 23, at 11:00 AM, at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Centennial, Colorado.  Interment will be Friday, Dec. 31, at 10:00 AM, at Holy Cross Cemetery in Cuba, Missouri.  James will be laid to rest at the side of his wife, Loetta, who preceded him in death by two months.