Teresa "Terry" Ann (Phelps) James

Teresa (Terry) Phelps James passed away peacefully on April 19, 2024, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, after a gallant 4+ year – double a life expectancy estimate at the time of her diagnosis - battle with cancer that exemplified her inspiring courage, strength, grace, and dignity. Terry was born in Dubuque, Iowa, on September 29, 1950, and grew up in Prairie Village, Kansas. She received her high school education at Bishop Miege High School, and earned a BA degree from the University of Northern Colorado. After her college graduation, Terry continued to live and work in Greeley, Colorado, for several years before surrendering to her adventurous passion to travel and live in Europe, ultimately landing in Augsburg, Germany. Terry met and married her husband, Stover James, on April 2, 1985, in Kitzingen, Germany, where she was serving in the first of her several assignments as a Department of the Army Civilian during Stover’s US Army career. Together, they subsequently moved 10 times in 17 years for assignments in various locations that included Germany, Washington, D.C., Newport, Rhode Island, Fort Carson, Colorado, another 6-year tour in Germany (Heidelberg and Bamberg), Boston, Massachusetts, Fort Knox, Kentucky, Forts McPherson and Gillem in Atlanta, Georgia, and a return for a second time to Colorado Springs, Colorado, where they happily decided to settle down when Stover retired from active duty as a Colonel after 30 years of service in the US Army.

In addition to the extensive travel - both international and domestic - that Terry and Stover enjoyed throughout their 39-year marriage, Terry’s other passion was gardening. She spent countless joyous hours as a certified Colorado Master Gardener volunteer via the Colorado State University El Paso County Extension Office. Terry was not only the embodiment of a dedicated, expert Master Gardener in Colorado, she also always “bloomed wherever she was planted” - a role model to be emulated throughout her remarkable life, proudly serving the US Army and enriching her community, while creating a warm, loving home and developing lifelong treasured friendships in every location. Terry was widely admired for her extraordinary creativity, numerous diverse talents, clear-eyed judgement, wise counsel, humility, and honesty - and deeply loved by all for her kind heart, empathy, unselfishness, and generous spirit. She truly was a special soul who left every place better than she found it, and every individual who was fortunate and blessed to know her, a better person.

From her childhood family vacations in Colorado, Terry developed a lifetime love for the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, Colorado. In addition to being a YotR member, donor, and enthusiastic advocate, she was a strong, avid supporter of, and an active participant in, the YotR Cabin Adoption, Summit Club, and Spirit Society Programs.

Terry is preceded in death by her father Thomas M. Phelps, mother Mary Jeanne Wandel Phelps, and brother Tommy Phelps. She is survived by her husband Stover, nephews John (wife Laura) Phelps, Matt (wife Beth) Phelps, and Andy Phelps, and six great nieces and nephews.

There will be a private Celebration of Life service and interment in the Legett Legacy Garden at the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, Colorado, at later dates.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Terry’s memory to the YMCA of the Rockies, Pikes Peak Hospice, or other charity of choice, including organizations for cancer awareness, research, treatment, and support.

"Love is immortal, death is only a horizon, and a horizon is nothing more than the limit of our observation and our cherished memories. If we could have a flower for every time we think of you, we could walk in a beautiful garden forever. As the saints and angels rejoice in Heaven with Terry, she will always live in our hearts and be a part of us."