James "Jim" A. Stivers

James Alfred (Jim) Stivers, a native of Colorado Springs, passed away on July 2, 2016, following a courageous battle with cancer. Jim was born April 8, 1934 to Ira Elisha Stivers and Myrtle Mae (James) Stivers. He graduated from Colorado Springs High School. In his youth, Jim spent many summers farming with his grandparents in Smith Center, Kansas.

Jim began working at Mountain Bell Telephone Company in 1952 and held various positions over his 42 year career. Jim’s hard work and dedication helped him rise through the ranks in the phone company. He retired from U S West as a Building Industry Consultant (BIC’s) Engineer.

Jim married LaRue Kruse in September, 1954 and raised three children: Roger, Jack and Suzette. Although Jim and LaRue’s marriage ended, they remained friends throughout the years.

Jim married Cindy Gushee on December 10, 1983. They shared a deep love and were great companions. He and Cindy enjoyed their retirement years traveling, riding their motorcycle with friends and caring for their many feline friends. Jim and Cindy also looked forward to going to Nebraska in the fall to visit, where Jim would help harvest on the Primrose Farms.

He was an active and dedicated Mason and he participated in Al Kaly Shrine activities and events. His accomplishments and contributions in those fraternal organizations were extensive. A partial list includes being Past Master of El Paso Lodge No.13 in 1964; Past Presiding Officer of the York Rite Bodies; 33rd Degree Scottish Rite Mason and Charter member of Enlightenment Lodge No. 198. He was a member of Al Kaly Shrine since 1968 and was a founding member of the Potentate’s Motor Escort. One of Jim’s most memorable achievements was receiving the rank of Santa Claus Emeritus. Jim was a supporter of the Shriner’s Orthopedic and Burn Hospitals for Children and the Scottish Rite Foundation of Colorado, which supports children with speech and language disorders. He was also a 25 year member of the V.Z. Reed Hose Company.

Jim brought great joy in his role as Santa Claus to hospitalized children and those attending Shriners' and Masonic gatherings every Christmas for nearly 40 years. Santa Claus also delighted children at Jim’s grandchildren’s school, Memorial Hospital’s Children’s Rehabilitation Unit, the U.S.O., as well as the children of friends and family members. For the past few years Santa thrilled the crowds while sitting atop his sleigh in the Festival of Lights Parade. A true Santa, he did it all for love and the spirit of Christmas.

Jim was also a great story-teller. He regaled his grandchildren with tales of the old North Side and Southern Colorado. He entertained them with stories of his life as a telephone lineman and his many life-adventures. They will always deeply love and admire him.

Jim is survived by his wife Cindy Stivers, sons Roger (Brenda) Stivers of Guerneville, CA and Jack Stivers of St Ignatius, MT, daughter Suzette (Bob) Keating of Pueblo, CO and grandchildren Ira Stivers, Dylan and Amanda Stivers, and John and James Keating. He leaves behind many friends and Masonic brethren. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his mother-in-law and friend, Victoria Gushee, his daughter-in-law, Phyllis Wilson Stivers and many friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held on July 17, 2016 at 4:00 o’clock in the afternoon at the Colorado Springs Masonic Center, 1150 Panorama Drive, 80904.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region, 610 Abbot Lane, Colorado Springs, O 80905, the Scottish Rite Foundation of Colorado Inc., 1370 Grant Street, Denver, CO 80203 and to the

Al Kaly Transportation Fund, Al Kaly Shrine, P. O. Box 193, Pueblo, CO 81002.

Arrangements under the direction of Memorial Gardens Cemetery & Funeral Home, Colorado Springs, Colorado.