James Martin Warren

James (Jim) Martin Warren was born on February 13, 1935 in Dixon, Illinois to Fred N. Warren and Irma (Burgdorff) Warren. He was the eldest of 3 sons. The family moved to Fayetteville AR, where Jim graduated from Fayetteville High School in 1953. Soon after graduation, the family moved to Tulsa, OK, where Jim was a member of the Tulsa Air National Guard. He had 3 sons, Jim, Michael, and Kenneth, with his first wife, Jeanette. They divorced in 1961. After moving to Denver, CO, JIm met and married the love of his life, Donna Margaret Custy, to whom he would be happily married for the rest of his life, 57 years. The couple moved to San Diego, CA, where they had a daughter, Anita Marie. The little family moved many times, to GA, PA and St Augustine FL. Finally in 1973, they returned to Denver, where Donna could be near her beloved brothers and sisters. Jim and Donna resided for the next 46 years in the home they loved. Jim has 5 grandchildren: Ashley, Sean, Nathan, Conor, and Mckenzie, all of whom brought him great joy and love. Jim worked most of his life as a technical writer for such companies at Martin Marietta (where he met Donna), McDonnell Douglas and Fairchild Hiller. In Denver, he worked for Stearns Roger as a technical writer. After leaving Stearns, he worked as a contract employee on Johnson Island, helping to clean up toxic waste materials. In his semi retirement, he worked as a handyman, often offering his expertise and skill to the elderly and less fortunate at no cost. It gave him pleasure to be able to help others, but he rarely told anyone of his charity, as he preferred to keep his good deeds in his heart. In his youth, Jim was an accomplished scuba diver, and made extra money as an instructor. While in FL, Jim spent his free time on his beloved boat, fishing, water skiing and just enjoying the outdoors. He was a skilled water skier, and would spend many hours on the lakes, often on one ski or on two with his daughter perched on top of his skis, holding on for dear life. The couple were also members of the local Elks Club and enjoyed many hours there with friends. Jim was an avid downhill skier. He loved to ski with his wife, Donna, and daughter, Anita, as well as his family and friends. In 1975, the couple purchased a condo in Winter Park, where they spent many weekends with friends and family enjoying the slopes and the apres ski life. He served as President of the Homeowners Association there, and supervised the building of the clubhouse at Beaver Village. Jim loved to fish, both freshwater and ocean fishing. After moving to CO, his boating and ocean fishing days were over, but he often took a ˜boys trip' with his brothers and nephews to Canada to fish. These trips were a highlight for him, both for the fishing, but more for the company and camaraderie.Jim was a master at building and fixing things, and there was very few things he couldn't fix or build. He loved to work in his yard, in his home and his pride and skill stood out in everything he did or made. He loved to garden, spend time in his workshop, and man his grill and smoker, and to feast on the products of his labors. He and Donna were members of the American Legion, and spent many hours enjoying the company of friends at the local Post. Jim was predeceased by his beloved wife, Donna, by a mere 4 days.Neither could imagine a life without the other. He is survived by his brothers, Robert Eugene (Beverly) of Covington, LA and William Frederick (Linda) of Tulsa, OK. His sons, James Martin II (deceased) (Mary) of Plant City, FL, Michael Lee ( Fiona) of MIssion KS, Kenneth Ray (Karen) of Naples FL and his daughter, Anita Marie of Berthoud, CO will miss him dearly. JIm's grandchildren Ashley and Sean Robertson (FL) are Jim II's children, while Nathan, Conor and Mckenzie Peila (CO) are Anita's children. He has numerous nieces and nephews, both in CO and out of state. We will all miss his chuckle, the sparkle in his eyes, and his zest for life and hope that he has plenty to do in the next life with his beloved Donna by his side.