James A. Karnes

James was born February 7, 1930 to Oscar and Elma (Voyles) Karnes in Sheridan County, Kansas. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, George and Frank and two sisters, Gladys Breeden and Dorothy Karnes. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Phyllis; one brother, Gerald (Charlene) of Salina, Kansas; two sons, Bruce (Nancy) of Thornton, CO and Kevin of Wellington, CO; one daughter, Brenda VanCleve of Loveland. Also surviving him are his three grandchildren, Stephanie, Stacey, and Eric VanCleve all in the Denver area.

James graduated in 1947 from Hoxie High School in Hoxie, KS. He married Phyllis Jean Brewster in October 1948. They lived in Hoxie several years before relocating to Lakin, KS where he eventually hired on with CIG (Colorado Interstate Gas). This became his 35 year career involving all aspects of the natural gas industry. A promotion in 1973 again moved his family to the Denver area. A later promotion then moved him and Phyllis to Vernal, Utah as a field superintendant until his retirement in early 1990. He and Phyllis settled in Loveland later in 1990 and have resided there since.

James was a master welder, carpenter, fisherman, hunter and cook. He enjoyed many years of wood carving, mostly figurines of all types of birds. He also enjoyed playing cribbage and pool with his Loveland buddies. He was a member of the First Christian Church, the Lions Club, JayCees, Boy Scout Leader, volunteer fireman and taught safety classes for the American Red Cross and CIG. He totally enjoyed his grandchildren and time with his family. He is loved and will be dearly missed because he was one of the best.

A memorial service will be at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 14, 2014 at Resthaven Funeral Home in Fort Collins. The inurnment is at Resthaven Memory Gardens. Memorial contributions can be made to the Fort Collins Denver Rescue Mission Harvest Farm in care of Resthaven Funeral Home, 8426 S Hwy 287, Fort Collins, CO 80525.