James Leroy Claus

James L. Claus, of Boulder County, Colorado, died Tuesday, April 22, 2008 at Exempla Good Samaritan Medical Center in Lafayette. He was 76 years old.Jim was born May 27, 1931, in McCook, Nebraska to Conrad and Millie (Spahn) Claus. The family moved to the Denver area while Jim was still a young child. He graduated from Arvada High School in 1949.Jim was an entrepreneur from a young age. As a young man, he joined his father and brother operating a wholesale chicken and egg business in the affluent north Denver neighborhoods. During the Korean War, he served in the United States Air Force. Upon his return, he opened his own poultry business in Boulder.Jim married Judy Salyers on October 8, 1983 in Las Vegas, Nevada.In 1958, watching local markets, Jim entered the construction business. He owned and operated Jim Claus Custom Homes in Boulder for many years. In addition, he built and managed industrial buildings in Boulder. Jim was active in the Junior Chamber of Commerce of Boulder, a time he greatly enjoyed. An enthusiastic golfer, Jim was a member of the Boulder Country Club and Mesa Country Club, Mesa, Arizona for many years. His parents, a brother, Dale Claus, and a sister, Maurine McNiece preceded Jim in death. Surviving are his wife, Judy, of Jamestown; two daughters, Sherry Eberhard of Broomfield, and Cathy Claus-Phillips of Westminster; a son, Jerry Claus of Wheatridge; four grandchildren: Jenifer Snyder of Broomfield, James Eberhard of Denver, Kit Claus of Broomfield, and Tyler Kirkpatrick of Wheatridge; and 2 great grandchildren.Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to Howe Mortuary and Cremation Services, Longmont. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, April 25, 2008 at the Howe Mortuary Chapel, Longmont. Contributions may be made to the ALS Association, 27001 Agoura Road, Suite 150Calabasas Hills, CA 91301-5104.Please share thoughts, memories and condolences with the family at www.howemortuary.com.