James Arthur Roethler

Jim was born in Chelsea South Dakota to Clarence Belcher Roethler and Hattie May Roethler. The second of three children, he was raised in Wecota, South Dakota. His childhood memories included attending a one room school with grades K-8, using car hoods as sleds, sharing a bike with his siblings and hunting pheasant. He would talk about working summers on a ranch in his early teens; one year using his earnings to purchase a pair of white cowboy boots with black wingtips.

He attended Faulkton High School, participating in multiple sports eventually earning a football scholarship to University of South Dakota in Vermillion. Shortly thereafter, he opted to join the United States Army serving as he would say, “twenty years, one month and one day”. Meanwhile, he married Marlys Herman. Their family was complete with the arrival of their daughter, Trisha. Jim’s military career led him to Fort Carson, Colorado where he retired. He then obtained his Colorado real estate license. Although his business card read Real Estate Broker, in conversation he would say, “I help people buy and sell real estate”, with emphasis on the word ‘help’. He was an excellent communicator, enjoyed giving his time and being useful to others. His real estate career spanned a period of 40 years.

Jim’s perspective and purpose in life started to change in 1982. It was then that he started to study the Bible using what he called ‘the little blue book’ (The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life) as a Bible study aid. In a tranquil setting at a friend’s home, he got answers to life questions from the scriptures. Discovering Bible truths replaced anxieties with hope. He was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Denver, Colorado on June 25, 1983. Being a sociable person, he counted it a good day when he spent time talking to people about the promises of the Bible with congregation friends. Many of his favorite memories were centered around volunteer work at Kingdom Hall construction/remodel projects and the Aurora Assembly Hall.

In 1984 he married Geraldine (Geri) Abila. Together they raised three sons, Justin, Brandon and Ryan. His strength was displayed not just by his stature but also demonstrated by steady core qualities of love, respect and dependability. He created a home of peace, making everything feel okay simply because he was there. His love for his family was unconditional, but his principles and values were never up for compromise. He taught his children that being a good person is about having character, keeping your word, doing what’s right and standing firm even when it’s not easy. He took personal interest in his son-in-law and each daughter-in-law. Effortlessly, making them feel valued and special. Welcoming them to a home where love was freely given, respect was expected, values were deeply rooted and family was everything. He was the steady foundation beneath it all.

Each of his children have families of their own. He leaves behind eleven grandchildren, John, AJ, Brayden, Quintyn, Natalie, Reata, Addisyn, Jaymes Ray, Ivan, Ethan and Jayce. When asked what comes to mind when they think of Grampa, responses included – patient, calm, fun times guessing his charade card, going fishing, sitting on his lap, how the color of his eyes changed with his shirt, watching him wiggle his ears, playing checkers, how he loved bald eagles, a crazy firm grip when shaking hands, his own special chair, trips to weekly swim lessons and Dunkin’ Donuts. “Good night Grampa. I love you. You’re the best Grampa ever.”

Some of Jim’s hobbies included fishing, camping, watching a football game, taking pictures, grilling, playing solitaire and observing the sunset. He always felt that life is better with a full pantry and a delicious meal. Favorite foods would include a cheeseburger with light ketchup, a well-done filet mignon, salmon, meatloaf, macaroni and cheese and waffles. A cup of coffee was always good, regardless of the time of day.

Jim’s legacy will live on not only through the family he loved so deeply, but through the values he instilled, the example he set, and the countless lives he touched. His steady presence, quiet strength, and unwavering love will be deeply missed, but the foundation he built will remain for generations to come.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence Belcher Roethler and Hattie May Roethler and brother, Robert Gene Roethler. He is survived by his wife Geri, daughter Trisha Meek, sons and daughter in-laws Justin (Jessica), Brandon (Courtney), Ryan (Shelby) and sister Mary Ellen (Bill) Mower.