Robert "Bob" James

April 16, 1928 to June 30, 2024.

Robert “Bob” James was born in Colorado Springs “Old Colorado City”, CO on April 16, 1928, son of Roscoe James and Francis Edna Wilkinson, and brother to eleven (11) brothers and sisters.

Bob was known for many things, one being his strong work ethic. He started working in the third grade at the Pueblo Star Journal as a paper delivery boy where he continued to work till his sophomore year of high school. Following his graduation from Centennial High School in 1948, he started working for the Pueblo Power Plant, where he retired after 48 years as a Shift Plant Operator in 1996.

When Bob wasn’t working you could find him enjoying some of his many hobbies, skiing in his younger years, collecting coins, as well as his passion for astronomy and motorcycles. It was in 1944 where Bob’s love for motorcycles took off. He bought his first motorcycle, a 1931 Harley-Davidson, and in 1946 he would begin racing and competing on an Army Surplus 1942 Harley Davidson. That same year he would win his first trophy at the Colorado Gypsy Tour and garnered his first prize money racing at Rocky Ford. He enjoyed sharing his love and passion for motorcycles with his children, grandchildren and eventually his great-grandchildren. He would tell stories about his racing days, and about the different bikes he owned. Some family members and friends over the years had the opportunity to enjoy road trips or attending races in Sturgis, SD, and Pueblo racetracks with Bob. Bob, was a proud member of the American Motorcyclist since 1947 and the White Plate Flat Tracker Association since the 1980’s. He served as the Executive Director and assisted in the placement of a monument in Sturgis, SD that remains today.

In April of 1949 Bob found a new love and passion as he married Wanda Dibler. They started their family together and in February 1950 twin girls, Kay and Karen were born. From 1951 to 1958 Bob and Wanda welcomed Robert, Kenneth, Marvin, Vernon and Jeanette. In 1960, following his divorce from Wanda, he met his second wife Jacqueline “Jackie” (Hanscom) Wallace and they married in 1962. This union expanded his family to include Jackie’s five (5) children John, Michael, Deborah, Nancy and Rebecca. Bob and Jackie spent the next 43 years together. He was a devoted family man and would often work two jobs to ensure that he provided for his families. Bob had seven (7) children, five (5) stepchildren, 25+ grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. He enjoyed and loved all of his children, watching them grow, get married and start families of their own.

In 2007, Bob was blessed with a loving partner Eileen Jensen. He spent the remainder of his days with Eileen, traveling, playing bingo, attending many church activities and playing cards.

Bob was a faithful member of First United Methodist Church, Southern Colorado Astronomical Society, Jack Pine Gypsies, Fraternal Order of the Eagles, and the Independent Order of the Odd Fellows. Over his lifetime, he was a generous donor to United Way, Pueblo Rescue Mission, Pueblo Cooperative Care and Jews for Jesus.

He will be remembered for his passion and faith in the Lord, his positive outlook, his sense of adventure, love for family, the support of his church and strong relationships and love for others.

He is survived by his beloved partner Eileen Jensen, as well as his twelve (12) children, Kay (Zyg) Henrych, Karen James, Robert James, Kenneth (Diane) James, Marvin (Betty Jane) James, Vernon (Gail) James, Jeanette (Dennis) O’Quin, stepchildren; John (Jennie) Wallace, Michael (Debbie) Wallace, Deborah (Jim) Sbarbaro, Nancy (Dennis) Cornell and Rebecca (Tim) Pankey, 25+ grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren, and two (2) sisters Veena Ives and Edna Roesner, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by his parents, first wife Wanda (Dibler) James, second wife, Jacqueline Hanscom (Wallace) James; sisters Winnie, Delia, Thelma and Jessie; brothers William, Frank, and Raleigh, (stillborn brothers, John and Joseph).

Bob passed away peacefully having lived a full, happy and blessed life following many special visits from his family and dear friends. His love and his stories will be missed for eternity.

A celebration of Bob’s life will be Tuesday, July 9th at 11 a.m. at Imperial Memorial Gardens, 5450 Hwy. 78 West, Pueblo, CO 81005, officiated by friend and Rev. Dr. Rick Calhoun.

Memorial donations/in lieu of flowers, may be made to First United Methodist Church in his name, or to a charity of your choice.

He was a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather and dear friend who enriched our lives in so many ways. He inspired us with his kindness and generosity, as well as the love he shared with family and many friends.

Bob’s final motorcycle ride has led him to the best destination, in heaven, among the stars.