James Michael Rooney

Jim was born in Rochester, New York, on April 1, 1949. He was the first son of Joe and Pauline Rooney. Growing up, he and his family spent many weekends at their cottage on Lake Ontario in Olcott, New York. Jim enjoyed his time on the lake fishing and sailing competitively. In high school, he ran track and played on the Eastridge High School football team, where he was admired for his determination and team spirit.

After graduating from high school in 1967, Jim went on to John Carroll University and then attended the University of Buffalo before enlisting in the United States Army in 1971. Jim served in Vietnam and was honorably discharged as a decorated Sergeant through Ft. Carson, Colorado. His bravery and leadership earned him the respect and admiration of his peers.

Jim pursued his education and graduated from the University of Colorado with a degree in accounting. His career was primarily spent at First Federal Bank of Colorado, where he eventually served as the Executive Vice President. Following First Federal’s acquisition by Commercial Federal Bank, Jim continued in the financial sector until he was hired as Executive Director of the Legal Aid Foundation in the Colorado Lawyer Trust Account Foundation. For nearly two decades more, Jim worked in various financial and accounting positions until retiring to his most favorite job as a greenskeeper at Homestead Golf Course in Lakewood, Colorado, which allowed him to pursue his passion for golf!

While establishing his career in banking, Jim met the love of his life, Linda Cassidy. They were married on August 25, 1979, at St. Thomas More Catholic Church. Jim and Linda shared a deep bond and created a loving home filled with laughter and warmth. They went on to have two wonderful children, Lindsay and Aaron, both of Littleton, Colorado. Jim was a devoted father who supported Lindsay and Aaron in all of their endeavors. The family also had many fur children (dogs) throughout the years, with Buttercup being Jim’s most loyal companion in his later years.

Jim is survived by his wife Linda, their children, Lindsay (daughter) and Aaron (son), and their dog Buttercup. He is also survived by his brother John and family of New York. He is preceded in death by his mother, Pauline Rooney, and father, Joseph Rooney.

Jim was a wonderful and generous husband, father, and friend who cared deeply for others. His kindness knew no bounds, and he was always the first to offer help to anyone in need. He had an infectious smile and a hearty laugh that could brighten anyone's day. Jim will be truly missed by all who knew him, but his spirit will live on in the hearts of his loved ones.