Jim Freilinger

Jim Freilinger , 71, of Denver, passed away September 5, 2016.

He was born November 15, 1944 in Denver, Colorado, the son of Joseph and Ann (Harnby) Freilinger.

He served his country honorably in the US Navy during the Vietnam War.

On June 7, 2000, he married Elizabeth Gomez.

Jim was in management for his entire career. He did it all, from restaurant to retail, managing both blue collar and white collar employees before finally transitioning to the casinos in the latter part of his professional life.

He was a lifelong Bronco fan, connoisseur of good food and drink, loved good country music and the steel guitar, and also loved his kitties Chetah and Princess, his wife Beth, and all of his family, very much.

He was a dreamer, and he liked to dream big. He was also a very organized person, and his dreams as well as his organization led him to create a large family cookbook. Originally the brainchild of his mother, Jim made his family cookbook as a memorial to her and to all of his family. He combined family trees, family photos, and artwork by one of his nieces, with recipes that were family favorites, some for generations. This cookbook is part of his legacy and will be treasured by his family for many years to come.

Jim was a people person and never knew a stranger. He had great charisma and people from all walks of life were attracted to him and his ready smile. He was very social, having many friends and coworkers who enjoyed his company. In fact, many of his employees were also very loyal friends. He was always willing to lend a hand when needed. He will be remembered for his sense of humor, his dynamic personality and his enthusiasm for life.

Jim was also an inquisitive person with a broad range of knowledge who thoroughly enjoyed researching topics of every kind. He was a huge fan of his computer, and after retiring he took a lot of pleasure in all the knowledge that was at the tip of his fingers, as well as the games and opportunities for socialization provided by social media.

His loss will be deeply felt by all who knew him.

Jim is survived by his wife of 16 years, Elizabeth A. Freilinger; Two Daughters, Suzanne Beth (George Smeltzer) Freilinger, Christine Dawn (the late Kyle) Keen; Grandson, Benjamin Christopher Branson; Sister, Joan (Harry) Grant; Numerous Nieces, nephews, extended family and friends and his beloved cat, Princess.

He is preceded in death by Father, Joseph Peter Freilinger; Mother, Ann Isabel Freilinger; Brother, Joe Freilinger; Two Sisters, Jean (the late Jim) Hegge and Jane (the late Don) Longshore and beloved cat, Chetah.

Please consider donating to the family's gofundme page to help with funeral expenses: https://www.gofundme.com/2nhse8ec?ssid=731367441&pos=1.

To share a memory of Jim or leave a special condolence message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.