James William Houchens

James William "Jim" Houchens passed the morning of September 2, 2021. A Denver native born June 29, 1946, Jim loved Colorado and lived in the Denver area his whole life. As a youth he participated in Boy Scouts and competed in many sports. His love of sports and especially his love for Denver's local teams - the Broncos, Rockies, Nuggets, and Avalanche - spanned throughout his life, a hobby which took him to several Super Bowls, Masters, and World Series, and involved him in a number of fantasy teams over the years.

Jim graduated from South High School, class of 1964, and served in the Colorado Air National Guard at Buckley Air Force Base during Vietnam. He graduated with a degree in sociology from UC-Denver. Following his studies Jim began a decades-long career in the restaurant business, with part-ownership and management roles at some of Denver's most beloved establishments including Simms Landing, H. Brinker's, Duggan's, Ichabod's, and Marina Landing. Jim met his former wife Terri Westerdahl as co-workers at Ichabod's, marrying in 1978. Together they had two sons, Nicholas and Andrew. Jim loved family life and was deeply involved in his kids' activities, from team coaching to accompanying practices, rehearsals, and performances. He eventually retired from the fast pace of the restaurant industry to spend even more time with his family and to hone in on his golf game and enjoy more travel.

Divorcing and later meeting Bonnie Guzofsky, another Denver native, Jim and Bonnie enjoyed a loving partnership lasting over 20 years until Jim's passing. Jim and Bonnie deeply enjoyed each other's company and traveled the world over to several continents, often via cruise, their preferred method of travel. They especially loved dancing, and could often be seen lighting up the floor wherever they traveled or at some of their favorite local spots, including Shanahan's and Del Frisco's.

Above all Jim was devoted to his family and always close with his siblings Duane Houchens, Donna Sandberg, and Ronald Houchens (d). While still living, he also held a very close relationship with his parents Charles and Ruby Houchens, whom he loved and respected deeply. Jim cherished family gatherings and any opportunity to celebrate with his sons, nieces, and grandnieces and nephews, especially on holidays or if it happened to be while dining at one of his favorite local steakhouses. He was always supportive of his sons and proud of their achievements in the film, music, and hospitality industries. Jim was gentle, kind, and though often soft-spoken, had a great sense of humor. He succumbed to a brave three-year battle with Lewy body Parkinson's, and will be deeply missed by his family and the many friends and colleagues he made throughout the years.

A private family graveside service will be held on Thursday, September 9th. A celebration of life will be also held Thursday, September 9 from 1-3pm at the Bull & Bush, 4700 E Cherry Creek S Dr, Denver, CO 80246, all are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:

Lewy Body Dementia Association

https://www.lbda.org

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