Jim lived in Atwood and passed away after a long battle with cancer. Funeral services held Oct. 17 at Tennant Funeral Home with Pastor Dan Holsten and Tom Westfall officiating. Inurnment took place on a later date.
Jim was born at Good Samaritan Hospital. He attended Sterling High school and Northeastern Junior College and worked at the Propst ranch in Merino before moving to southern California. There he worked as a welder and raced motorcycles for several years. While there Jim and Bona met and were married. Following a serious motorcycle accident and long recovery, they moved to Sterling. Jim worked for a welding company and later bought and operated it as Jim's Welding and Jim's Auto Service. When the property sold they bought Jim's Standard station. Jim and Bona operated this for several years and also built a trailer park west of town. Jim went to work for Strong Bond Mfg. for the next 14 years until the owners retired and closed it down. They then bought Designer Fashions in Sterling, later changing the name to The Top Shop. Jim then went to work for Wisdom industries. For over 14 years he had many positions there.
While working full time, Jim also returned to school to see how far he could go in his profession. He eventually achieved certification by American Welding Society in welding process: gmaw unlimited, smaw unlimited, and fcaw unlimited. (stick, wire feed, flux core). He also certified by American Society of Mechanical Engineers in unlimited pipe welding. He then became an AWS Certified Welding Inspector, as his interests turned to teaching he again studied, qualified for and passed the test to become an AWS Certified Welding Educator. Then with the help of NJC, he became a state Certified Vocational Instructor. He then taught evening classes at NJC for nine years, and at MCC for two years while still working full time. Somewhere near 550 students went through these classes. He said this was the hardest and most enjoyable time of his life. In 1997 a flood from the Pawnee ditch destroyed their house and belongings. So in their mid 50’s, Jim and Bona started over. They built a new house in Atwood, working as much as possible to get it done and paid down as quickly as possible. Finally a stroke forced Jim to slow down. He retired and made rehab from the stroke his full time job, eventually regaining all functions.
When retirement got boring, he decided to return to work at something less stressful. So he applied and was accepted at Sterling prison as a correctional officer. While there he had his first bout with renal cancer. While being treated for kidney stones, kidney cancer was discovered. After surgery and a kidney removed, and several months recovery, he returned to work. He worked there for 7 years, finally retiring in 2009. He had a long battle with cancer starting in 2009. Through it all Jim kept his quick humor, devotion to family and community projects. His grand kids were the joy of his life. His hobbies were art, did oil painting and entered many art shows, also loved woodworking on his lathe. He also usually had a sports car or hot rod he was working on, and always had a motorcycle or two. He loved the process and worked with screen printing over the years, and of course metal working. He used to joke,” I may be called a lot of things, but lazy is not one of them.” He often said his dad taught him a simple guideline, “Just leave the place better than you found it.” He also stressed, don’t let life be a spectator sport, get involved in something, anything, everything. Live outside your own ego, make a difference. Jim and Bona were always up for an adventure. From motorcycle racing throughout southern Calif., to camping trips on motorcycles, campers, motor homes, hot air balloon trips, several white water rafting trips, helicopter trips, hot springs vacations, skydiving including several major roller coasters. Jim was also an avid guitar player in the 60-70’s.
Brad Rhea and Jim won a national award for a printed design, Skygrazers. He was on the advisory board at NJC and MCC. Jim and Bona were both involved with Rocky Mountain Adoption Agency. Organizing several fund raisers and appearing on the T V telethons. He also was involved with restoration of the Sunset Memorial Gardens project. He was also a director of the Family Resource Center. Jim wrote two books, one with his father, a history of Logan County, and later a Cook Book for Old Men and kids, a grandkid project. Also helped created a Facebook group, I Care Sterling, and was involved in many community projects.
Survivors beside Bona included: son Nicholas (Nicolle), grandkids Zach Alles, Alexandria Alles, Terry Alles, Joshua Merrell, and Jamey Merrell; and sisters June Lauer, and Opal(Terry) Burton. Memorials made to Family Resource Center in care of Tennant Funeral Home, PO Box 1547, Sterling 80751.
Jim was born at Good Samaritan Hospital. He attended Sterling High school and Northeastern Junior College and worked at the Propst ranch in Merino before moving to southern California. There he worked as a welder and raced motorcycles for several years. While there Jim and Bona met and were married. Following a serious motorcycle accident and long recovery, they moved to Sterling. Jim worked for a welding company and later bought and operated it as Jim's Welding and Jim's Auto Service. When the property sold they bought Jim's Standard station. Jim and Bona operated this for several years and also built a trailer park west of town. Jim went to work for Strong Bond Mfg. for the next 14 years until the owners retired and closed it down. They then bought Designer Fashions in Sterling, later changing the name to The Top Shop. Jim then went to work for Wisdom industries. For over 14 years he had many positions there.
While working full time, Jim also returned to school to see how far he could go in his profession. He eventually achieved certification by American Welding Society in welding process: gmaw unlimited, smaw unlimited, and fcaw unlimited. (stick, wire feed, flux core). He also certified by American Society of Mechanical Engineers in unlimited pipe welding. He then became an AWS Certified Welding Inspector, as his interests turned to teaching he again studied, qualified for and passed the test to become an AWS Certified Welding Educator. Then with the help of NJC, he became a state Certified Vocational Instructor. He then taught evening classes at NJC for nine years, and at MCC for two years while still working full time. Somewhere near 550 students went through these classes. He said this was the hardest and most enjoyable time of his life. In 1997 a flood from the Pawnee ditch destroyed their house and belongings. So in their mid 50’s, Jim and Bona started over. They built a new house in Atwood, working as much as possible to get it done and paid down as quickly as possible. Finally a stroke forced Jim to slow down. He retired and made rehab from the stroke his full time job, eventually regaining all functions.
When retirement got boring, he decided to return to work at something less stressful. So he applied and was accepted at Sterling prison as a correctional officer. While there he had his first bout with renal cancer. While being treated for kidney stones, kidney cancer was discovered. After surgery and a kidney removed, and several months recovery, he returned to work. He worked there for 7 years, finally retiring in 2009. He had a long battle with cancer starting in 2009. Through it all Jim kept his quick humor, devotion to family and community projects. His grand kids were the joy of his life. His hobbies were art, did oil painting and entered many art shows, also loved woodworking on his lathe. He also usually had a sports car or hot rod he was working on, and always had a motorcycle or two. He loved the process and worked with screen printing over the years, and of course metal working. He used to joke,” I may be called a lot of things, but lazy is not one of them.” He often said his dad taught him a simple guideline, “Just leave the place better than you found it.” He also stressed, don’t let life be a spectator sport, get involved in something, anything, everything. Live outside your own ego, make a difference. Jim and Bona were always up for an adventure. From motorcycle racing throughout southern Calif., to camping trips on motorcycles, campers, motor homes, hot air balloon trips, several white water rafting trips, helicopter trips, hot springs vacations, skydiving including several major roller coasters. Jim was also an avid guitar player in the 60-70’s.
Brad Rhea and Jim won a national award for a printed design, Skygrazers. He was on the advisory board at NJC and MCC. Jim and Bona were both involved with Rocky Mountain Adoption Agency. Organizing several fund raisers and appearing on the T V telethons. He also was involved with restoration of the Sunset Memorial Gardens project. He was also a director of the Family Resource Center. Jim wrote two books, one with his father, a history of Logan County, and later a Cook Book for Old Men and kids, a grandkid project. Also helped created a Facebook group, I Care Sterling, and was involved in many community projects.
Survivors beside Bona included: son Nicholas (Nicolle), grandkids Zach Alles, Alexandria Alles, Terry Alles, Joshua Merrell, and Jamey Merrell; and sisters June Lauer, and Opal(Terry) Burton. Memorials made to Family Resource Center in care of Tennant Funeral Home, PO Box 1547, Sterling 80751.
Jim lived in Atwood and passed away after a long battle with cancer. Funeral services held Oct. 17 at Tennant Funeral Home with Pastor Dan Holsten and Tom Westfall officiating. Inurnment took place on a later date.
Jim was born at Good Samaritan Hospital. He attended Sterling High school and Northeastern Junior College and worked at the Propst ranch in Merino before moving to southern California. There he worked as a welder and raced motorcycles for several years. While there Jim and Bona met and were married. Following a serious motorcycle accident and long recovery, they moved to Sterling. Jim worked for a welding company and later bought and operated it as Jim's Welding and Jim's Auto Service. When the property sold they bought Jim's Standard station. Jim and Bona operated this for several years and also built a trailer park west of town. Jim went to work for Strong Bond Mfg. for the next 14 years until the owners retired and closed it down. They then bought Designer Fashions in Sterling, later changing the name to The Top Shop. Jim then went to work for Wisdom industries. For over 14 years he had many positions there.
While working full time, Jim also returned to school to see how far he could go in his profession. He eventually achieved certification by American Welding Society in welding process: gmaw unlimited, smaw unlimited, and fcaw unlimited. (stick, wire feed, flux core). He also certified by American Society of Mechanical Engineers in unlimited pipe welding. He then became an AWS Certified Welding Inspector, as his interests turned to teaching he again studied, qualified for and passed the test to become an AWS Certified Welding Educator. Then with the help of NJC, he became a state Certified Vocational Instructor. He then taught evening classes at NJC for nine years, and at MCC for two years while still working full time. Somewhere near 550 students went through these classes. He said this was the hardest and most enjoyable time of his life. In 1997 a flood from the Pawnee ditch destroyed their house and belongings. So in their mid 50’s, Jim and Bona started over. They built a new house in Atwood, working as much as possible to get it done and paid down as quickly as possible. Finally a stroke forced Jim to slow down. He retired and made rehab from the stroke his full time job, eventually regaining all functions.
When retirement got boring, he decided to return to work at something less stressful. So he applied and was accepted at Sterling prison as a correctional officer. While there he had his first bout with renal cancer. While being treated for kidney stones, kidney cancer was discovered. After surgery and a kidney removed, and several months recovery, he returned to work. He worked there for 7 years, finally retiring in 2009. He had a long battle with cancer starting in 2009. Through it all Jim kept his quick humor, devotion to family and community projects. His grand kids were the joy of his life. His hobbies were art, did oil painting and entered many art shows, also loved woodworking on his lathe. He also usually had a sports car or hot rod he was working on, and always had a motorcycle or two. He loved the process and worked with screen printing over the years, and of course metal working. He used to joke,” I may be called a lot of things, but lazy is not one of them.” He often said his dad taught him a simple guideline, “Just leave the place better than you found it.” He also stressed, don’t let life be a spectator sport, get involved in something, anything, everything. Live outside your own ego, make a difference. Jim and Bona were always up for an adventure. From motorcycle racing throughout southern Calif., to camping trips on motorcycles, campers, motor homes, hot air balloon trips, several white water rafting trips, helicopter trips, hot springs vacations, skydiving including several major roller coasters. Jim was also an avid guitar player in the 60-70’s.
Brad Rhea and Jim won a national award for a printed design, Skygrazers. He was on the advisory board at NJC and MCC. Jim and Bona were both involved with Rocky Mountain Adoption Agency. Organizing several fund raisers and appearing on the T V telethons. He also was involved with restoration of the Sunset Memorial Gardens project. He was also a director of the Family Resource Center. Jim wrote two books, one with his father, a history of Logan County, and later a Cook Book for Old Men and kids, a grandkid project. Also helped created a Facebook group, I Care Sterling, and was involved in many community projects.
Survivors beside Bona included: son Nicholas (Nicolle), grandkids Zach Alles, Alexandria Alles, Terry Alles, Joshua Merrell, and Jamey Merrell; and sisters June Lauer, and Opal(Terry) Burton. Memorials made to Family Resource Center in care of Tennant Funeral Home, PO Box 1547, Sterling 80751.
Jim was born at Good Samaritan Hospital. He attended Sterling High school and Northeastern Junior College and worked at the Propst ranch in Merino before moving to southern California. There he worked as a welder and raced motorcycles for several years. While there Jim and Bona met and were married. Following a serious motorcycle accident and long recovery, they moved to Sterling. Jim worked for a welding company and later bought and operated it as Jim's Welding and Jim's Auto Service. When the property sold they bought Jim's Standard station. Jim and Bona operated this for several years and also built a trailer park west of town. Jim went to work for Strong Bond Mfg. for the next 14 years until the owners retired and closed it down. They then bought Designer Fashions in Sterling, later changing the name to The Top Shop. Jim then went to work for Wisdom industries. For over 14 years he had many positions there.
While working full time, Jim also returned to school to see how far he could go in his profession. He eventually achieved certification by American Welding Society in welding process: gmaw unlimited, smaw unlimited, and fcaw unlimited. (stick, wire feed, flux core). He also certified by American Society of Mechanical Engineers in unlimited pipe welding. He then became an AWS Certified Welding Inspector, as his interests turned to teaching he again studied, qualified for and passed the test to become an AWS Certified Welding Educator. Then with the help of NJC, he became a state Certified Vocational Instructor. He then taught evening classes at NJC for nine years, and at MCC for two years while still working full time. Somewhere near 550 students went through these classes. He said this was the hardest and most enjoyable time of his life. In 1997 a flood from the Pawnee ditch destroyed their house and belongings. So in their mid 50’s, Jim and Bona started over. They built a new house in Atwood, working as much as possible to get it done and paid down as quickly as possible. Finally a stroke forced Jim to slow down. He retired and made rehab from the stroke his full time job, eventually regaining all functions.
When retirement got boring, he decided to return to work at something less stressful. So he applied and was accepted at Sterling prison as a correctional officer. While there he had his first bout with renal cancer. While being treated for kidney stones, kidney cancer was discovered. After surgery and a kidney removed, and several months recovery, he returned to work. He worked there for 7 years, finally retiring in 2009. He had a long battle with cancer starting in 2009. Through it all Jim kept his quick humor, devotion to family and community projects. His grand kids were the joy of his life. His hobbies were art, did oil painting and entered many art shows, also loved woodworking on his lathe. He also usually had a sports car or hot rod he was working on, and always had a motorcycle or two. He loved the process and worked with screen printing over the years, and of course metal working. He used to joke,” I may be called a lot of things, but lazy is not one of them.” He often said his dad taught him a simple guideline, “Just leave the place better than you found it.” He also stressed, don’t let life be a spectator sport, get involved in something, anything, everything. Live outside your own ego, make a difference. Jim and Bona were always up for an adventure. From motorcycle racing throughout southern Calif., to camping trips on motorcycles, campers, motor homes, hot air balloon trips, several white water rafting trips, helicopter trips, hot springs vacations, skydiving including several major roller coasters. Jim was also an avid guitar player in the 60-70’s.
Brad Rhea and Jim won a national award for a printed design, Skygrazers. He was on the advisory board at NJC and MCC. Jim and Bona were both involved with Rocky Mountain Adoption Agency. Organizing several fund raisers and appearing on the T V telethons. He also was involved with restoration of the Sunset Memorial Gardens project. He was also a director of the Family Resource Center. Jim wrote two books, one with his father, a history of Logan County, and later a Cook Book for Old Men and kids, a grandkid project. Also helped created a Facebook group, I Care Sterling, and was involved in many community projects.
Survivors beside Bona included: son Nicholas (Nicolle), grandkids Zach Alles, Alexandria Alles, Terry Alles, Joshua Merrell, and Jamey Merrell; and sisters June Lauer, and Opal(Terry) Burton. Memorials made to Family Resource Center in care of Tennant Funeral Home, PO Box 1547, Sterling 80751.
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