James Gerald Alsum

James (Jim) Gerald Alsum passed away peacefully on September 27, 2025 at his residence in Lone Tree, CO, at the age of 93. He was born on Christmas Day, 1931 to Newton and Elizabeth Alsum in Denver, Colorado where he joined his only sibling, sister Anna May. Jim spent much of his childhood learning construction from his father and uncle. He eventually formed his own home building business where he was known for his excellence in building quality homes in Douglas County and the Southeast Denver area.

In 1951, he married Lorraine Rosendale, whom he met at church, where together, they worked hard and played hard for over 73 years, until her passing six months ago. Jim’s life was marked by a strong work ethic. He modeled selfless service and extended warmth to all. His family experienced 22 wonderful years of memorable adventures at the cabin he built at Grand Lake. Jim loved deer hunting, four wheeling, riding his snowmobile, target practicing, coin collecting, and joining his kids in whatever work project they were pursuing.

In 1961, Jim obtained his pilot’s license. After a tragic plane crash involving several family members, he began volunteering with the Colorado Civil Air Patrol (CAP), where he retired eventually as a Lieutenant Colonel. He played a vital role in over 300 search and rescue missions across rugged mountain terrain, often risking his own safety to locate and recover victims of air crashes. His leadership and bravery brought hope to grieving families where he earned a deep respect with the aviation and emergency response communities. His key part in their most notable mission was recorded in a riveting book called Miracle on Buffalo Pass, a book which he gave to almost everyone he met.

Beyond his service, Jim was a man of quiet strength and deep integrity. As a charter member of Hope Christian Reformed Church (formally 3rd CRC), he helped with its initial construction, was a faithful attender, and served as a Cadet Counselor for young men. That led him to a diligent search for a community campground to continue the mission of Cadets, resulting in the purchase of Long Scraggy Ranch, a family and youth conference center near Buffalo Creek, which has been enjoyed by thousands.

Jim was in awe of nature, the universe, the human body, and loved the Creator of it all! In his later years, his faith was ignited by a fresh understanding of the Gospel and as a result, he spent hours reading, studying and writing down the truths of the Bible. He loved discussing what he had learned.

He is survived and will be greatly missed by his three children: daughter Barb (Gene) DeKruif of Lone Tree, Jerry (Janice) of Milliken, Dan (Betty) of Castle Pines, eight grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren: Carrie Leonard (Aaron) + 1 of Milliken, Pam (Troy) Clinefelter + 9 of Aurora, Eric (Megan) DeKruif + 5 of Lakewood, Kurt (Megan) Alsum + 5 of Broomfield, Ryan (Audra) Alsum + 3 of Lone Tree, Jeff (Alicia) Alsum + 3 of Littleton, Scott (Alondra) DeKruif of Aurora, and Brian (Jaima) of Crested Butte.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 4:30pm on Friday, October 3rd in the community room at Morningstar RidgeGate at 10100 Commons Street, Lone Tree, CO. A pre-service reception for family and friends will be held in the courtyard of the same facility between 3:30 and 4:30.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Long Scraggy Ranch at P.O. Box 323, Buffalo Creek, CO or Jesus on Colfax at 9360 E. Colfax Ave., Aurora, CO 80010.