James Hilly Dean

James Hilly Dean, was born in Haworth, Oklahoma on August 12, 1937. He was called home by his Lord and Savior on April 17, 2020 after the COVID-19 virus ended his fight with end-stage dementia. He was 82 years old.

James lived most of his adult life in the Denver, Colorado area moving his young family from Oklahoma City in 1968. He retired to Trinidad, Colorado in 2013. James is survived by his wife, Letha Mae Dean and his three children James Russell, Brenda Lynn and Michael Wayne. He has four grandchildren and four great grandchildren. He is also survived by his youngest brother, William Dean. James is preceded in death by his mother and father, Alvin and Ivy Dean and his brother, Floyd Dean.

James, also known by his family and friends as “JH, Jim and Jimmy” was a country boy. James left the farm life when his family moved to Oklahoma City as a teenager. He attended Central High School and graduated in 1956. Out of high school, James joined the Air National Guard Reserves and served for 9 years. He also entered the offset printing trade and specialized in printing business forms and negotiable checks. He married his wife of 61 years on September 12, 1958.

James was a hard worker. He enjoyed working with his hands and was quite the handyman. In his younger years, James enjoyed playing fast pitch softball, boating and water skiing, large and small game hunting and fishing and hitting a golf ball now and then. He had high morals and values. His faith was very important to him and he enjoyed in-depth bible studies. James has served at both Village Baptist Church in Thornton, CO and Highland Hills Church in Westminster, CO. Over the years James served as a building maintenance coordinator, Bible study leader, church trustee and youth sponsor. While at Village Baptist Church in the mid-1970s he often used his annual vacation to be the youth choir’s bus driver as they toured and sang at churches across the United States. James was currently a member of Village Baptist Church where he worked along side of the maintenance coordinator doing outdoor maintenance. James also enjoyed the ministry of supporting monthly devotions at a local senior home by walking to rooms and encouraging residents to attend.

James had a contagious smile and a compassion toward people. He loved his family and adored his grandchildren. There wasn't anything he wouldn't do to support his family and often worked 2-3 jobs. As his family changed, James was always an anchor and a source of wisdom. His presence will be dearly missed.

A Memorial Service will be held at Village Baptist Church, 4550 East 128th Avenue, Thornton, Colorado 80241. Date and time to be determined based on the guidance for social gatherings.