Name: Swan-Law Funeral Directors
Address: Colorado Springs, CO

Happy Birthday Dad, we love you- we miss you. I pray you are celebrating with your children and loved ones in heaven!

Hi dad,  
Well dad it has been 8mos since you went home and today is our first Father's Day without you. I believe you're rejoicing, praising and worshipping our Holy Father. So you're having the best time we cannot even imagine.
But, here you are missed so much. Our lives are continuing but it is not the same without being able to share them with you. Of course there have been b-days, weddings, holidays, graduations and new births.
A couple of weeks ago we celebrated Catherine's birthday,it was a lot of fun. I admit I did start to cry thinking about you and how you would enjoy seeing us singing and dancing. I wanted so bad to share that time with you but as a very healthy man. Mom said not to cry because you'd want us to enjoy Catherine's party.
We have another fire going on here so I am glad your not here so it will not endanger your health.
It is hard to put into words how I am feeling today, sad of course but it is more than that. I'm thinking of Sam and Wendel and hoping they are having a good day. This being their first fathers day without you and having in common being fathers like you, my heart goes out to them.
I talked to mom today and she is hanging in there spending some time with Wendel and his family.
Dad, I have been having dreams about you alot lately so I continue to pray for you all the time. I want to thank you for all the sacrifices  and hard work you did for all of us. We might not have agreed on everything but you were a very good provider and you could make us laugh and smile. Thanks for all the praise and even the times you were so demanding trying to make us better people. That is how you showed us you cared and loved us.
Sending you hugs and kisses. I wish I could give them to you in person. 
Love you lots!!!   Mary
P.S. we are all doing our best to take care of mom yet trying to not let her lose her independence.

Thinking about you and missing you so much Dad!

A friend sent this poem, hope everyone who is missing my Dad reads this poem and feels loved.

I see the countless Christmas trees around the world below,
With tiny lights, like heavens stars, reflecting in the snow.
The sight is so spectacular; please wipe away that tear.
For I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear,
But sounds of music can't compare with the Christmas choir up here.
I have no words to tell you of the joy their voices bring.
For it is beyond descpription, to hear the angels sing.

I know how much you miss me; I see the pain inside your heart,
But I am not so far away, we really aren't apart.
So be happy for me dear ones, you know I hold you near,
And be glad I'm spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

I send you each a special gift, from my heavenly home above.
I send you each a memory of my undying love.
Love is a gift more precious than the finest, purest gold.
It was the most important part in the stories Jesus told.
Please love and keep each other, as my Father said to do.
For I cannot count the blessings or love He has for you.

So have a Merry Christmas and wipe away those tears,
Remember that I'm spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

Adaptation of a poem by Wanda Bencke - 

I'll pretend you are saying those words to us, Dad, I know you would not want us to be sad.  We love you!

Dad I miss you so much!!!I want to hold,talk and touch you. I want to hear your voice and hear your laugh and see your great smile. I would love to be able to kiss or just to hug you one more time. I want you here to spend the holidays with us just one more time. Yet I would want you in better health while you were here. I miss hearing your stories along with your jokes. It is hard to put into words how happy it is to know your in heaven praising, worshipping and glorifying the Lord God. It is so great that your no longer in pain and so sick. I can't imagine what joy you are experiencing. Dad I miss you and love,love,love you so much. I pray for you all the time and all your children are doing everything we can to take care of mom, just the way you would want us to. Thank you for being a very good provider to us,for giving us the gift of love of music and dancing.You were such a great example of being a hard worker and having pride in your job. Dad you were so generous and caring to us all how blessed we were!!! Thank you for everything you ever did for me and all the sacrifices you did for me. Once again I love you dad your daughter Mary

I often wondered what it would be like to sit in on one of Sergeant Major Torres' West Point classes.  The following puts it all into perspective.  

When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and the 2 beers:

Sergeant Major James Torres stood before his class and had some items in front of him.  When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls.  He then asked the students if the jar was full.  They agreed that it was.

Sergeant Major Torres then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar.  He shook the jar lightly.  The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls.  He then asked the students again if the jar was full.  They agreed it was.

Sergeant Major Torres then picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar.  Of course, the sand filled up everything else.  He asked once more if the jar was full.  The students responded with a unanimous "yes."  

Sergeant Major Torres then produced two beers from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty space between the sand.  His students laughed.

"Now," said Sergeant Major Torres as the laughter subsided, "I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life.

The golf balls are the important things--your family, your children, your health, your friends and your favorite passions--and if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.

The pebbles are the other things that matter, like your job, your house and your car.

The sand is everything else--the small stuff.

If you put the sand into the jar first, there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls.  The same goes for life.

If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you.

Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness.  Spend time with your children.  Spend time with your parents.  Visit with grandparents.  Take your spouse out to dinner.  Play another 18.  There will always be time to clean the house and mow the lawn.  Take care of the golf balls first--the things that really matter.  Set your priorities.  The rest is just sand.

One student raised his hand and inquired what the beers represented.  Sergeant Major Torres smiled and said, "I'm glad you asked."  The beer just shows you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of beers with a friend. 

May God Bless and keep you always at his side.

Ed Torres (nephew)
Commander
Boulder County Sheriff's Office
Boulder, Colorado

Our hearts go out to Frances and the entire Torres family.  May you find comfort in your patriarch's legacy that lives on in all of you.

God Bless you all, 
Kim Montoya Dumas & Family

My heart is sadden for your loss, but I will always remember Jim, Mr. Torres as a wonderful friend.  He will be missed.  Jo Kissinger

What a remarkable person and a very supportive family. Had I known Mr. Torres much more personally, I'm sure I would've enjoyed hours of in-depth conversations with him. Truly, a life worth celebrating.

"In Loving Memory of My Uncle Jim" May you rest in peace & may God give comfort & strength to all the Torres Family. 
Edward & Cynthia Reynolds & Family(El Paso, Texas)

Wendel,
My condolences to you and your family.  Ralph had so much respect for your dad and even adopted some of his work philosophies. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Linda Posey

Wendel and Family,
Your Dad was one of my Dad's heroes.  He always spoke of the respect he had for him.  My heart goes out to all of you in this time.

It's only been a week Dad . . . words cannot express how much I am going to miss you, how much we are all going to miss you!  Love you so very, very, very, much!

Aunt Frances my apologies for not attending my Uncles  services my thoughts & prayers  are with u and your family may  God give u strength may he guide & comfort u & your family as u cope with this great loss. Much love & respect  your niece Sharon S Medina

As a fellow warrior, you earned the respect of my dad, your friend and neighbor, Jack Null. Our family thanks you for your service. May your loved ones share many happy memories.

May loving memories bring you peace, comfort, and strength to all those lives touched and blessed by Mr. Torres. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Wow Grandpa, what a life you lived. Your family will miss you always, we find comfort knowing you are with the Lord. That you feel the best you have ever felt. No more pain, no more tears. God Bless you grandpa. we love you

It's for certain that we never lose the people we love, even in death.  They continue to participate in every act, thought and decision we make.  Their love leaves an indelible imprint in our memories.  We find comfort in knowing that our lives have been enriched by having shared their love.   
Rest in peace Uncle Jimmy.
Love, Bobby, Mary and Reynolds Family.

Although we can't be with you while you remember your loved one, you're in our thoughts and prayers from afar.

Love, Nellie Reynolds,& Maryann Sanchez

Sam/Wendel & Family:
Our deepest sympathy goes out to your family. There are no words to say how sorry we are for your loss. 

Tommy, Tracy and the entire Lovern Family

Mr. Torres, thank you for the time we once shared together. Thank you for the wonderful son I have now, he definately will carry on your name with honor. I was sure proud and thankful for everything you did for me. You gave everyone so much joy and laughter to be remembered forever.
Love, Irene Torres

It was 1969 & school was about to end.  I had submitted an entry for State Competition for Engineering design for bridges.  We, our family, were going to visit my Uncle Jimmy & cousins that weekend.  My entry in the state bridge building competition was judged in the Top 5 in the entire state.  Receiving such recognition made both my Dad & me very proud.  It was a min-version of a bridge I designed & built out of balsa wood.  15" long & great tensile strength.  I'd finished 3rd. statewide.  "Hey Dad?  Can I take my bridge to show Uncle Jimmy?"  I asked my Dad.  Sure son.  Your Uncle is an engineer.  He would like seeing your bridge." was my Dads answer.  So with great care I wrapped my 3rd. place winning bridge in newspaper & a protective box to survive the hour trip to my Uncle Jimmy's house to show off my bridge.  I could wait to show my Uncle Jimmy what I had built & received a 3rd. Place state award for.  My self designed & built bridge.  I got in the house, ran up the stairs & unpacked my award winning bridge right there on the dinning room table.  "Uncle Jimmy.  Look what I did." I yelled.  He came into the kitchen just about the time my Dad stepped into the kitchen as well.  He told his brother-in-law, "Anthony entered a state competition about bridge building.  He did this on his own.  He got 3rd. Place in the whole state." my Dad told him proudly.  "Really?" my Uncle Jimmy remarked.  "Well let's take a good look see at your bridge Anthony." as he pulled up a dinning room chair and picked up my bridge made of balsa wood.  "I did this myself Uncle.  I drew it up, designed the stress structures, glued it together and it won 3rd. place!"  I explained.  "Well let's see here now" he said.  There were 2 coffee cups left on the table from breakfast still on the table.  He picked up my award winning bridge & set one end on top of the edge of one coffee cup & the other end on the edge of the other coffee cup.  "Well so that what your bridge would look like if it were built right Anthony?" he asked me.  With a huge smile beaming & my chest proudly pumped out, "yes sir Uncle Jimmy.  That's exactly how it would look.  What do you think?" I asked him smiling from ear to ear waiting for his answer.  "Well let's see here." he replied.  "If I were to come up upon this bridge back when I was in Vietnam, I'd set my explosives here & here & here & here." pointing to all 4 of the bottom corners on my bridge.  "I'd place the blasting caps & wire into the C4 and run it out 50 yards or more at least.  Screw the wires into the terminal & pull the trigger.  Ker-Blam! Adious there bridge & the Viet-cong couldn't use that bridge for nothing except scrap." were the words he spoke out of his lips smiling.  I was a gasp with shock.  I spent 9 weeks designing & building that bridge for my state competition.  I brought it to my 'engineer' Uncle Jimmy for his inspection & kudos.  And in 9 seconds he told me how he was going to destroy my award winning bridge.  I ran out of the kitchen past my Dad crying.  My Uncle Jimmy had just destroyed & blew up my bridge.  My Dad finally found me in the back seat of the car still sulking.  "Not what you expected huh son?" he said.  Still hurt he then said "remember son, your Uncle is not just a great 'builder', he was also a great Army Commander.  A great soldier.  He probably did blow-up bridges like yours back in the war.  But cuz he did, he probably saved the lives of lots of American soldiers by doing so.  Okay?" he asked.  I was appeased & sorta okay feeling then.  My Dad took my hand & we went back inside.  My Uncle Jimmy was still in the kitchen & he saw me coming in.  "Anthony.  Hey come here" he summoned.  I walked in slowly & he grabbed my hand.  He opened my hand & said "this is for you & your bridge."  He put a 20 dollar bill in my hand.  "The 1st. time I went to Vietnam I built bridges over there for our boys to use." he told me.  "I sure could have used a designer like you back then to help us out.  You built a helluva bridge Anthony!  One helluva bridge.  Nice work." and then he smiled.  So did I.  Amazing how much of a smile $20.00 can pay for.  And the accolades of an Uncle that meant the world to me.  I will miss him.  But at the same time, I rejoice his coming home.  Now God has an engineer to build bridges like the one I designed in heaven.  And he's got the best engineer to build it.  God bless all of you.  God bless my Uncle Jimmy.  With a saddened heart but one filled with Love, please, if you don't mind, use 'my bridge' to cross that threshold into heaven, okay?  Welcome home.  God bless & I Love you.  Your Nephew Anthony.

May God Bless the enire Torres Family in your time of grief and sorrow for the loss of this very accomplished and respected man.
Mark and Terri Norman
Colorado Springs, CO

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Wendel, Peggy and family.

My heart aches for you because I know all too well what you are going through right now.  I lost my DAD just two (2) weeks ago in Colorado Springs in the same hospice your DAD was in.  I'm sure your DAD was as special as mine and his memories will live on in your hearts.  I noticed your father shared the same birthday as mine, so we will be thinking of them at the same time every year.  May the Lord comfort you during this very difficult time.

To a life well lived and well loved! Command Sergeant Major Torres...I know you will serve God as well as you served your country and your family. Thank you for all you gave. Your body is at rest, but your spirit will continue to protect and love...and for that we give thanks.

Uncle Jim  now you truly in the arms of are lord. So rest now in peace"  


                                                         Jake Torres Colo. Springs Co

A pleasure to spend time with you and your family.  God Bless them as they grieve and remember.  Chaplain Oly

I Love You Grandpa! I will Forever and Always be your "Tess The Mess"!

May the Lord's light shine upon you as you watch over your family and loved ones from heaven above.  Rest in peace.

Grandpa: I love you so much! I loved spending time with you and sharing cookies, candy and nuts. I liked singing to you. I miss you Grandpa- you are the best grandpa ever!!!

Grandpa: I love you so much! I loved spending time with you and sharing cookies, candy,nuts and singing to you. I miss you Grandpa- You're the BEST grandpa ever!

It was an honor to know you. May God bless you and keep you until we see you again.

Jim:
Thank you for being the patriarch of such a wonderful family and for allowing me to be part of it.
Scott

OBITUARY

James Torres

July 18, 1931 – October 15, 2012

Swan-Law Funeral Directors

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