James George Karabensh

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Denita (Van Diest) Karabensh; his son, Kyle Karabensh (Michelle); his daughter, Kylene Karabensh (Dennis Eddlemen) and his cherished grandchildren, Jasmyn Cormier (Jacob Mahan), and Dustin Karabensh.

Born on January 18, 1944, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Steven and Esther Karabensh, Jim grew up surrounded by memories he made with his siblings, Ron Karabensh, Ken Karabensh, LaVerne (Dolly) Gress, Helen Michalek, and Cheryl Almen, especially the wonderful summers spent together at their beloved family cottage on North Lake.

In 1957, Jim's family relocated to Colorado, where he attended junior and senior high school. It was during those years that he met his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Denita Van Diest

Jim proudly joined the United States Navy in 1962, serving aboard the USS John R. Craig, a Navy destroyer. His service took him to the Philippines, Japan, China, and many other destinations, providing him with experiences and memories that would last a lifetime.

On June 28, 1965, Jim and Denita were married in Colorado Springs, beginning a beautiful journey together that would span more than 61 years. Through the decades, they built a life filled with love, family, hard work, adventure, and countless cherished memories.

At the time of their marriage, Jim was working as a Cathode Ray Tube Technician for Hewlett Packard. In 1971, he joined Glauth Surveying, where he enjoyed surveying subdivisions throughout Woodland Park and the surrounding communities. 1973, he began a long and career with Colorado Springs Utilities, retiring in December 1999.

Following his retirement, Jim and Denita embarked on a new chapter, relocating to Holts Summit, Missouri. There, Jim worked in the sales department at ABB Power T&D before semi-retiring in June 2001.

Never ones to sit still, Jim and Denita opened Accents-N-Frames, a custom framing business in a shop attached to their home. Together, they spent many enjoyable days designing and creating custom picture frames for businesses and residents throughout the Jefferson City area. It was another wonderful chapter in a life they had built side by side.

In April 2011, Jim and Denita decided it was time to return to Colorado to be closer to family and their growing grandchildren. In true adventurous fashion, they packed up two 26-foot moving trucks, a 12-foot trailer, and a couple of carloads and headed west to begin yet another chapter together.

They found a partially completed home in Hanover, Colorado, and embraced the opportunity to finish designing the interior, creating a home that was truly their own. They moved into their new home in January 2012.

Back in Colorado, Jim and Denita enjoyed spending precious time with family, watching their grandchildren grow, and traveling across the United States to visit cherished friends and loved ones. Whether at home or on the road, the moments they shared with family and friends were among life's greatest blessings.

Above all, Jim was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and a cherished friend to many. His kindness, warmth, and genuine love for those around him touched countless lives. Family meant everything to Jim, and the love he shared with those closest to him will always be remembered.

In 2021, Jim was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. He faced this difficult journey with remarkable grace, courage, and dignity. Through it all, he remained the same friendly, lovable man his family and friends had always known and loved. His warm spirit, kind heart, and gentle nature continued to shine through, right up until the very end.

Jim lived a life rich in love, family, friendship, and adventure. While his passing leaves an emptiness in the hearts of those who loved him, his legacy lives on through the memories he created, the lives he touched, and the love he gave so freely.

He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and always remembered.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Jim's memory to Pikes Peak Hospice (pikespeakhospice.org) or to Alzheimer's research through the Alzheimer's Association (donorservices.alz.org).