James Richard Belk

James “Jim” Richard Belk was called home by the Lord on October 20, 2022, following complications from surgery. He was proceeded in death by his wife of almost 50 years, B. Kay Belk (1937-2007), daughter Deborah, and his parents James S. and Mary Belk. He is survived by his wife, Velma (married 2009), sons Keith (Jo Ann), Jay (Tracy), and Jeffrey (Christine), grandchildren Aeriel Belk, Kelsey (Jason) Cobb, James Ross (Clare) Belk, Jeremy (Kelly) Belk, Brandon (Brittany) Belk, Justine (Lee) Easley, Cassidy (Davis) Howell, Jaiden (Brandon) Kennedy, and Kaleab Belk, along with seven great grandchildren, and Velma’s loving daughter Shelly (Pat) Worrell, grandchildren Kenny (Hilary), Garrett (Kelly) and Meagan Worrell, and two great grandchildren.

Jim grew up in Denver, graduating from South High School, where he married his high school sweetheart, B. Kay Robinson. They were married for 50 years until her death in 2007. Jim then married Velma Anderson and enjoyed their blended families for the next 13 years until his passing.

Jim’s best memories included baseball games with his Uncle Walt, hunting/fishing with his father, holidays that included meals with the combined families, and a cruise with his father-in-law and wife to Alaska. His favorite trip was to Israel to visit the Holy Land. He especially admired the great meals that his mother, Mary, was known for—including marinated steaks on the grill. He was proudest of his father when he received an award for two million miles of safe driving by Continental Trailways, seeing his Uncle Walt return from WWII, watching his sons and grandchildren grow up, and when he became a great grandfather. He loved traveling in his various motor homes, and always enjoyed spending time with family. He enjoyed showing sheep and cattle with his children, and was an enthusiast for agriculture. Jim was proudest, though, of being a husband and father.

After being discharged from the US Navy Seabee’s Reserves, Jim decided to enter a trade; he subsequently apprenticed as a plumber and obtained State, City, and Master plumbing licenses. He later taught plumbing apprentices at what is now Red Rocks Community College. After years of learning the trade, Jim started his own business—Belcon Mechanical—which thrived in the Denver area and eventually was sold.

Jim was an outdoorsman. He enjoyed fly fishing, hunting, trap shooting, and spending time with friends. He was dedicated to the scripture, having read the bible through many times, and was extremely loyal to his church—Calvary Church of Aurora. Jim was a great mentor to several generations of family. He will be missed.

Flowers are appreciated, or a memory donation can be made to ChildFund (www.childfund.org), Wounded Warriors (www.woundedwarriorproject.org), or Mercy Ships (www.mercyships.org).

A visitation for Jim will be held Tuesday, October 25, 2022, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Olinger Crown Hill Mortuary & Cemetery, 7777 West 29th Ave, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033. A funeral service will occur Wednesday, October 26, 2022, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, 7777 West 29th Ave, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033. A committal service will occur Wednesday, October 26, 2022, from 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM, 7777 West 29th Ave, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.CrownHillFuneral.com for the Belk family.