Donald Peter James

Donald Peter James was born August 16, 1925 to Victoria Domenico James and Nicholas James in Welby, Colorado. He passed away on Thursday, December 29, 2016. Donald was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, a comforting provider, a world traveler, a sharp wit, a nimble mind and an all around good man. He will truly be missed.

Donald attended Assumption grade school and high school in Welby, Colorado. He began attending Regis College in Denver in 1942 but took a hiatus from college to serve his country in the Philippines during World War II in the mid 1940's. He returned to Regis upon his honorable discharge from the United States Army and graduated with a degree in Accounting in 1950. From that point until his retirement in the early 1990's Donald was self employed as an Accountant and Enrolled Agent. Donald prepared tax returns for people all over the state and the country and it was not unusual to be eating in a restaurant and have former clients come over to say hello to Donald. He was very esteemed by his clients, who always had a story to share about how well Donald served them.

On January 5, 1947, Donald married Maxine Anna Porreco and together they had four children. They lived in Welby, Wheatridge, and Denver over the next several decades and purchased their current home in Brighton, Co in the early 1990's. At the family's home in Brighton, Donald delighted in raising vegetables (especially carrots), mowing and taking excellent care of his 35 acres of property. Donald was always outside in his coveralls and sun hat, driving the tractors, tending to the land, growing things and fixing anything that was in need of repair – a true MacGyver of the Estate.

Donald and his family traveled all over the world. Donald and Maxine were two of the first Americans to travel to Castiglione di Carovilli in Italy to see where Donald's grandparents lived before coming to the United States. The family made several trips to both Italy and Southern France and Donald enjoyed every one of them. Donald had an inquisitive and observant mind and when he was traveling he always found something to remark upon – whether it was the unique European cars, the number of Fords in Europe (he kept count of them) or the remarkable terraced farming in the mountains of Italy. He was a most excellent traveling companion – seldom critical and quick to smile.

Donald loved cars – especially Corvettes. He and his son, Donald Anthony, spent many happy times searching for, purchasing and restoring Corvettes. Donald had a great wealth of knowledge about ALL cars, to which he constantly added from his observations in life, from reading books about cars, from watching videos and from the Speed channel.

Donald was an exceptional father—he was patient, kind, gentle, loving and extremely generous. In his quiet but consistent way he taught his four children ethics, honesty, integrity, kindness, love of God and country, respect for the land and property and unconditional love of family. Donald and his beautiful wife, Maxine had four children: Donna Susanne Romero (Joseph Daniel), Carol Ann DeFrange, Donald Anthony James, and Gina Crystal James. Donald also had three grandchildren: Lora Marie Huntley (Ralph Wales), Devon Ann James and Kelly Lynn James. Maxine preceded Donald in death on November 10, 2007. Donald is survived by all of his children and grandchildren.

Donald was one of eight children; he is survived by four of them: Grace Fagan, Madeliene Maginn (Richard), Frank A James (Donna) and Margaret Gottschalk (Charles)

Donald will be missed more than words can express. Whatever problems any of his family encountered, Donald always said "Come home! We love you here." These are surely the same words with which God summoned Donald to heaven!


Pallbearers:

Donald Anthony James

Ralph Wales Huntley

Patrick Fagan

Richard Maginn

William Bistranin

Dennis Christine


Honorary Pallbearer:

Channing Merrell

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