James Parnell Regan

James Parnell Regan, known to all as Jim, was born on July 10, 1930, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Janet and Raymond Regan. Raised in a Catholic family, Jim carried his faith throughout his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Mary Jane Regan (1932–1933), and is survived by his sister, Patricia Koste, age 90, living in New Mexico and his wife Irene “Reeny” Regan living in Colorado.

Jim attended Marquette Jesuit High School, graduating in 1948, and went on to Marquette University to study engineering. During college, he took a leave of absence to serve in the United States Marine Corps from 1952 to 1954—an experience he regarded with great pride. During that time, he married his first wife, Mary Ellen Kearns, on June 11, 1952, and together they raised seven children. He graduated from Marquette University in 1957.

Jim began his Engineering career at Panhandle Eastern in Kansas City and while working full time and raising a large family, he attended the University of Missouri–Kansas City School of Law at night. He graduated in 1967 with Bench & Robe Honors, a distinction recognizing exceptional academic achievement and contributions to the legal community. He went on to practice Oil and Gas law and served as Vice President at Colorado Interstate Gas and ultimately became General Counsel for Marvin Davis at Davis Oil Company.

In 1984, Jim met Reeny Benton and married her on May 4, 1984 in Colorado Springs. They shared 42 years of marriage rooted in love, friendship and respect. They moved to Los Angeles when Jim became General Counsel at Davis Companies. Eventually they moved back to Aurora, Colorado.

Jim was a devoted lover of baseball, reading books and classical music. He famously decided—later in life—to learn to play both piano and violin, proving it is never too late to try something new. He was an avid admirer of Winston Churchill, as well as a passionate golfer and tennis player who valued staying active. His witty and dry sense of humor and endless supply of “dad jokes” made his grand kids love him. Slap-Jack was his game.

Jim is survived by his children: Tim Regan (Trish), Jude Regan, Mary Jane Regan, Cathy Regan-Norton (Dennis), Paul Regan (Grace), Fran Regan (D’Arcy), and Theresa Hyatte (Michael). He is also survived by his stepchildren: Mike Alvis (Cathy) and Gaye Hoffman (Larry).

He was a proud grandfather to Hank, Max, Brenna, Gabby, Brianna, Christian, Joel, Elizabeth, and Kelly; step-grandchildren Callie, Ryan, and Lindsey; his great-grandchild Lucas Regan; and step–great-grandchildren Jacob, Samuel, Nathan, Aubrey, and Evan.

Jim will be remembered as a man of faith, discipline, intellect, and perseverance—devoted to a life well lived.

Private family burial service at Fort Logan National Cemetery