John Gordon Stockwell

John “Jay” Gordon Stockwell, 52, of Thornton, CO passed away on Saturday August 9, 2025 after a brief illness from sepsis, surrounded by his family. He was a devoted husband, a loyal friend, a loving pet parent, and proud owner of his red corvette.

Jay was born in Jackson, Mississippi to Pamela Joy Swanson and adopted by J. Paul and Betty Dees Stockwell. He graduated from St Andrews Episcopal School in 1991 then spent three semesters at Millsaps College where he would meet his future wife. After one very cold semester at the University of Maine, Jay moved to Denver to finish his college degree in Biology at the University of Colorado in 1998.

Jay had a unique perspective on life with strong opinions and a generous spirit. He loved his family and friends selflessly. His dogs and cats brought him immense joy as did his godchildren Lyliana and Dylan Lawson.

Jay is preceded in death by his parents John Paul Stockwell and Betty Dees Stockwell and his birth mother Pamela Joy Swanson. He is survived by his wife of 10 years Cara Strickland Stockwell; his sister Stacey Stockwell Irwin (Case) of Canton, MS; nephews Hunter (Francis), Harrison, and Hayes Adcock of Madison, MS; mother-in-law Carol Cobb Strickland; stepmother-in-law MerryEllen Stockwell of Bolton, MS; stepfather-in-law Jerry Swanson of Destin, FL; brother JB Swanson (Betsy Kate) of Madison, MS; big brother-like cousins Steve Snell (Kathy) and Rob Snell (Melanie) both of Starkville, MS; and many other extended family and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held later in both Denver and Jackson. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to an animal shelter in Jay’s memory.

The family would like to thank the staff of St. Anthony’s North Hospital and the ICU team at St. Anthony’s Hospital Lakewood for their compassion and excellent care.