James Harvey Snyder

Jim (79) of Arvada, Colorado, died at Walnut Creek Golf Preserve from a heart attack.

He attended Boone High School. In 1966 he was drafted into the Army and trained as a combat medic. He received an Associates of Fire Science from Red Rocks Community College.

Jim joined the Denver Fire Department in 1971 and gained experience in different areas of firefighting, including structural fires, wildland fires, and fire investigations. He ended his career as an Aircraft Rescue Firefighter at Denver International Airport. Upon retiring in 2003, he was elected to two terms on the Arvada Fire District's Board of Directors.

During his time as a firefighter, he also worked as an insurance agent for the Police and Firemen's Insurance Association, becoming a member of the President's Club. He enjoyed each convention, whether in Hawaii, Indiana, the Bahamas, or Florida, not missing a convention since 1984.

Through Lakewood Luncheon Optimist Club, Jim gathered donations for the children in his community. Creating countless scholarships and supporting programs like DARE, and Second Wind Fund.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife of 27 years, Nayvita Snyder, and his siblings, Shirley Nowels and Raymond Snyder. He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Dana Taylor, his daughters Rebecca Snyder and Dawn (Rob) McGrath, son Clark (Kim) Himes, his stepchildren Jena (Brian) Taylor and Chris (Barb) Taylor, his grandchildren Jo McGrath, Merlin Campbell, Brody McGrath, Joseph Steinwart, Payton Himes, and Erika Taylor, and his brother Vern Snyder.

A memorial service will be held at King of Glory Lutheran Church in Arvada, Colorado, on June 14, 2024, at 10:00 a.m., followed by a reception.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Denver Firefighters Museum, a cause close to his heart.