James Philip Bashleben Jr.

James Philip Bashleben, Jr., 74, was unexpectedly promoted to glory on June 12, 2022 in Denver, Colorado. Jim was born in Oak Park, Illinois on April 10, 1948 to James Philip Bashleben, Sr. and Joyce (Peyron) Bashleben.

He had a unique family upbringing in Arlington Heights, Illinois as his dad was part of the Bataan Death March and a POW in a Japanese prison camp for 3 years. As a result of his service and experiences during WWII, Jim’s dad had an extraordinary appreciation for life and instilled that important perspective and many other crucial values in his two sons. These values included loyalty, resourcefulness, trustworthiness, hard work, compassion, devotion to family and friends, and forgiveness as values for a successful life.

Throughout Jim’s life, these core values drove his approach to all his business and personal interactions. Jim graduated from the business school of Valparaiso University in Indiana in 1970 and received a Masters degree from Baldwin Wallace College in Ohio. Over the course of his business career, Jim worked for three companies - Kimberly-Clark Corp., Ameritel Corp., and Alta Resources in various parts of the United States and in different roles. He retired in 2002 and spent the last two decades working on church and community projects, golfing, traveling, and spending time with family, which was his number one priority.

Those who knew Jim understood his sense of humor, his loyalty, and his loving dedication to his

wife, Deborah Dutton Bashleben, whom he met at Valpo and married in 1972. Jim and Debi’s

respect and forever and ever love for each other was evident during their nearly 50 years of

marriage. They were blessed with three amazing children - Robert James Bashleben (Sierra Rose)

of Palmer, Alaska; Caroline Deborah Partridge (John) of Denver, Colorado; and Elizabeth Deborah

Sungar (Gannon) of Denver, Colorado - and six loving grandchildren - Orion and Skylar Bashleben,

Quinn and Tucker Partridge, and Declan and Hoyt Sungar, who will be welcoming a baby brother in

November whom Jim was excited to meet.

After living 28 years in Neenah and Door County, Wisconsin, Jim and Debi moved to Denver in 2013

at the invitation of their children to be an integral part of their grandchildren’s lives in Denver and

Alaska. Jim, whom his grandkids called “Opa,” introduced golf to each of them with the support of

Colorado Golf Club, in Parker, Colorado and Quail Valley Golf Club in Vero Beach, Florida. The Vero

Beach community became part of Jim and Debi’s lives in 2002 as a favorite reprieve from Wisconsin

winters. “Opa,” Jim’s latest title in life was one he cherished, and he performed admirably in this role

of loving, teaching, and playing with his grandkids. All of his grandchildren completely adored him.

Jim leaves behind a loving brother Jerry (Chris) Bashleben of Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin and a

brother-in-law John Dutton (Judy) of Peoria, Illinois, who was part of his life since Valpo days, along

with nephews Craig (Amanda) Bashleben and their son Owen, Scott Bashleben, and niece Mandy

Dutton. He also leaves behind numerous cousins, Aunt Karen Peyron, and many dear friends and

golfing buddies who meant so much to him through the years.

His love for his growing family of 14 and his faith in God gave him great joy and peace. Jim

considered being a parent and role model to his family his most important job. And his family still

can’t quite believe how lucky they were to have him lead the way. He loved his daughter-in-law

Sierra and his sons-in-law John and Gannon as much as the core three - Rob, Carly, and Liss. All of

his children – like so many others whose lives he touched – admired him, sought his guidance, and

loved him fiercely. And his children knew every single second of their lives that their dad loved them.

To say that Jim was beloved doesn’t begin to capture the impact he had on the people who were

lucky enough to know him. He truly knew what mattered most in life and he behaved accordingly.

He valued relationships and authentic connections and he was generous with his time and his heart.

He believed in people and gave them the confidence to believe in themselves. He showed up and he

listened and he asked questions and he cared. He had an amazing sense of humor that was quick

and sharp, yet everyone knew he would be a soft place to land if it was ever needed. He appreciated

the little things - hot dogs, root beer, conversations over coffee, errands, quiet moments, car rides,

phone calls, and long hugs. He knew the little things were actually the big things. And as to the big

things – he’d ask all the time, “Who loves you the most?” And we all knew.

Any correspondence for the family can be addressed to Debi at 250 Vine Street Denver, CO 80206.

A small, private gathering will be held at a future date. Any memorials can be given to your own

special organization that embodies your values.

“Let Me help you get through this day…You can choose to walk with Me along the path of Peace,

leaning on Me as much as you need. There will still be difficulties along the way, but you can face

them confidently in My strength. Thank Me for each problem you encounter and watch to see how I

transform trials into blessings.”

- A “Jesus Calling” Devotional read the morning before Jim died - June 12, 2022.

Funeral arrangements provided by Olinger Hampden Mortuary and Cemetery, Denver, COJames Philip Bashleben Jr., age 74, of Denver, Colorado passed away on Sunday, June 12, 2022. James was born April 10, 1948 in Oak Park Township, Illinois.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.olingerhampdenmortuary.com for the Bashleben family.