Jimmie Vigil

Jimmie Maes “Pops” Vigil passed away peacefully at home with his children and faithful companion dog, Chi Chi, by his side on Sunday, January 23 at the age of 76. A native Coloradan, he was born in Red Cliff, Colorado on March 13, 1945, to Ginio and Ida Maes Vigil and is the eleventh of nineteen children. His family lineage dates back eleven generations from the Las Truchas, Chimayo, and Rio Lucio areas of New Mexico.

Jimmie was known and loved by many for smiling with his eyes, his kind heart, strong work ethic, self-reliance, sense of humor, and telling it like it was. He was a masterful storyteller and teacher of life, especially with his children. The life lessons he shared with them have transcended the lives and careers of multiple family generations. He was very proud of his children and shared their accomplishments with everyone. The time he spent with his children consisted of watching and playing sports, working together, and eating at diners. He especially had a fondness for Greek and breakfast diners. Jimmie was also known for his love of country music, cold beers, a good dive bar, and his ability to colorfully describe people. He was a proud member of Local Laborer Union 612 and spent much of his life in the construction industry contributing to the building of iconic structures in many cities and teaching how to work hard.  He enjoyed working and had many other professions throughout his life including bar owner, machinist, cashier, custodian, and other money-making pursuits.

Left to cherish Jimmie’s memory are the mother of his five children Mary Gravitt, children Mary Jane Gonzales (Rocky), James Vigil (Carolyn), Gena Heath (Kyle), Isaias Martinez, and Jeremiah Vigil; grandchildren Holden James Vigil (Chelsey), Austin Gonzales, Marigrace Wilson (Ben), Savannah Martinez, Alex and Stephen Mauldin, Jackson and Gavin Brubaker, granddaughter-in-law Amber Compton and great-grandchildren Evelyn Vigil, Tyler James Vigil, and Madilyn Vigil. He also leaves behind siblings, Mary Haley, Josie Villanova, Delores Nicodemus, JoAnn Vaughn, Mary Jane Perea, Alex Vigil, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Jimmie was preceded in death by his parents, 14 of his siblings, granddaughter Nasstasia Compton and grandson Jimmy Carlisle Compton.

The Mass intention held on Friday, March 11 at 8:30AM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church will be for Jimmie Vigil. A Celebration of Jimmie’s Life will be held Saturday, March 12 at 10:30AM in the Chapel of Horan & McConaty Funeral Home Central Denver.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association in Jimmie’s honor.