James W. Stutz

James William Stutz

Son, Brother, Husband, Dad, Uncle Jim, Grandpa, Great-Grandpa, Pops, Friend
Jim was born Oct. 19, 1929 to William and Alvina Stutz in Burlington, Colorado. His first six years were spent on the family's homestead farm which was located north of Bethune, Colorado.

In 1935 the Stutz family, Bill, Alvina, Gladys, Jim, and Agnes moved from the farm to the town of Bethune. From there they moved to the Hilltop area just east of Parker. The following years brought several more moves within the Parker area and in 1941 the family moved to south Denver, to Aurora, and then to a farm on South Holly. It was here they added another two sons, Fred and Dick to their family. This farm was their home through the 40s and it was here that Dick was born.

In 1948 Jim enlisted into the Air Force. Before he left for basic training he went to a dance at the Grange on Parker Road and there he meet Wanda Wheeler. Shortly after they had met, Jim left for Basic Training in Texas. He spent 4 years in the Air Force, stationed at O'Hare Field in Chicago and at Lowry Field in Denver.

Jim and Wanda were married March 21, 1949. They made their home on South Holly near "Grandma and Grandpa's" farm. They brought their first two sons, Jim and Bill home to that location

After leaving the Air Force, Jim began driving truck for R.B. Wilson. Late in 1954 Jim and Wanda moved into a new home in Aurora...just in time for Gary to be born and 4 years later son #4, Tim, was born. "My Four Sons" were not enough for Jim and Wanda. They began to open their home as a Foster Home receiving mostly newborns and infants who needed their care and love. Over the years they gave a home to 20 Foster children.

Jim loved his family and was always ready to take them fishing and camping around the state even after he had spent a week driving. They enjoyed activities together.... especially water skiing after a boat was added to the camper and trailer. Many of these camping trips included a bassinet and a stroller for the latest baby in their care.

In 1963 Jim (Butch) was diagnosed with Hodgkin's disease. With his family's support and love, which later would include a wife and a daughter, Jim beat all odds for many years. But in 1985 he lost that battle when he was only 35.
Jim continued his truck driving career until he had his first heart attack at the age of 34. His health then forced him to look for other employment. He worked at a lumber store, worked construction with his cousin and then as a Facilities Maintenance Technician at Windsor Gardens and at Heather Gardens as it was being built. Jim's last job before retirement was with the State of Colorado Judicial Complex in downtown Denver. He retired in 1991.

He filled his retirement days with gardening, wood working, and traveling.
Jim continued to have many health problems. By this time in his life he had suffered several strokes and additional heart attacks; was diagnosed with COPD, skin cancer, and continued with congestive heart failure. His health restricted his ability to do the things he enjoyed and he became more dependent on Wanda's care. Jim entered into God's presence on Sunday afternoon, Feb. 26, 2012.
Jim and Wanda would have celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary on March 21.

Preceding him in death:
Nephew, Randy.....1968
Son, Jim...... 1985
Grand daughter, Vickory.....1987
Mother, Alvina.....1988
Father, William..... 1993
Brother, Fred.....2002
Daughter-in-law, Kelly.....2004
Brother-in-law Jack.....2005

He will be missed greatly by his surviving family:
His wife Wanda
Children; Bill and Carol, Gary and Jan, and Tim.
Grand children; Jason, Koral, Roy, Sonya, Carissa, Stephanie, Tim, and Chris
Great-grand children; Brice, Madison, Josh, Tyler, Dawson, Eliza, Ashton, Eyan, Ethan, Luke, Kate, Noel, Adrian, and Cameron.
Brother Dick and his wife Nancy
Sister Gladys and her husband Floyd
Sister Agnes
10 nephews and nieces and many loving relatives and friends