James Troy Cleaver

James Troy Cleaver, age 73 of Castle Rock, passed away on February 27, 2024. He was born on April 17, 1950 in Magnolia, Arkansas, the son of James William Cleaver and Mavis Aslin Cleaver. Jim, an only child, was raised on his grandparents' horse farm in Arkansas and at a young age was a renowned horseman who won many hundreds of trophies, including the 1968 World Championship in Appaloosa Trail Horse Riding.

Jim married Sherry Diane Emison and they celebrated 52 years of marriage together before his passing. Jim worked his dream job as a special agent for the FBI and retired after 30 years of service. After retirement, Jim continued to do contract work with the FBI and he and Sherry moved to Colorado in 2005 to be closer to family and their firstborn grandchild. Jim adored the Colorado mountains and rivers. He enjoyed fly fishing, hiking, and spending time at the family cabin on the South Platte River.

Jim’s greatest pride was his family and the time they spent together, all of whom will miss him dearly. Jim will be remembered as a charming and true southern gentleman. He had a heart of gold and always was willing to put others first so they would succeed. Family and friends will miss receiving his birthday cards and phone calls just to say hi.

Jim’s legacy includes his wife, Sherry Diane Cleaver; their daughters Jami Riley and husband Stace, and Stacy Wade and husband Josh; grandchildren Jack Riley (18), Connor Riley (17), Finn Riley (5), Noah Wade (14), Bridger Wade (11), and Elizabeth Diane Wade (9); and his cousins Sharon Morgan and GloJoy Warga. Jim is preceded in death by his parents and his granddaughter Paige Faith Riley.

A celebration of Jim’s life will be held at 10:00am on Thursday, March 7, 2024 at Grace Chapel in Englewood, with a reception to follow the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Jim’s honor to www.helpfightra.org