James Fortson Eldridge Jr.

James "Jim" Fortson Eldridge, Jr.

12/12/19312/7/2015

James "Jim" Fortson Eldridge, Jr.passed away on February 7, 2015, in Grand Junction. He was born on December 12, 1931 to James Fortson and Mary Elizabeth Eldridge in Orlinda, Tennessee. Growing up, Jim live in several states including Georgia, Arizona, and Colorado. He moved to Grand Junction, where, during high school he met and fell in love with Charlene Brayton. He loved western Colorado where he hunted and fished, and he enjoyed showing his children and newcombers to Colorado how to do both.

Jim joined the U.S. Air Force after graduation from Central High School in 1951. He married Charlene Brayton on March 30, 1952, so she wouldn't get away while he served our country. He spent 18 months in Guam on one assignment and his last assignment was in Roswell, New Mexico. When his service ended in 1955, he and Charlene returned to Grand Junction were they made their home.

Jim started learning carpentry from his dad when he was very young. He later attended night school at Mesa College where he received a certificate in carpentry. He formed his own construction company in 1965 and built many "dream" homes for families in the Grand Junction area. His talents were also used to build 3 churches for the Southern Baptists in the Grand Junction area.

Jim's greatest love was knowing and serving God. He was willing to serve in any capacity at church from janitor to Sunday School superintendent and even choir director. He served as a deacon for over 50 years in several churches in the community and also served as a Gideon for many years. Jim was a member of Calvary Bible church. Jim is survived by his wife of 62 years, Charlene. Son, Rick (Donn) Eldridge of Castle Pines, Colorado. Daughter, Janet (Cole) Emmons of Colorado Springs, Colorado. Grandchildren, Anne (Reed) Mosler of Grand Junction, Meghan (Jaydin) Connell of Grand Junction; Court Emmons of Aurora, Colorado; Sara Eldridge of Castle Pines, Colorado; and Ellen Eldridge of Castle Pines, colorado. He is also survived by 4 great-grandchildren: Hunter Mosler, Olivia Mosler, Karis Connell, and Briar Connell of Grand Junction. 3 Brothers, Toby Eldridge and Danny Eldridge of Nashvile, Tennessee; and Lowel Eldridge of Phoenix, Arizona. 2 sisters, Mary Whitlock of Dalton, Georgia; and Cathy Sanders of Nashville, Tennessee. He was preceded in death by a son, Randy, his step-mother, Nancy, his dad, mother and two sisters.

A memorial service will be held at Martin Mortuary 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 14, 2015. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Gideons Grand Mesa Camp. P.O. Box 755 Clifton, Colorado 81521

Total Price: $392