Jim Lightfoot

Born June 10, 1947, in Cottonwood Idaho, his parents were Cecil A. Lightfoot and Nellie Farren. He spent most of his young life in the Los Angeles, California. area. At the age of 17, he enlisted in the US Army and spent a good part of his duty stationed in Alaska as an MP. In the mid 70’s, he moved from California to start a new life in Colorado. While living in Colorado Springs he met the love of his life, Sharon Gottwald, and they were married in 1977.

Jim eventually became a General Contractor and owned his own construction company. He designed and built the family home in Black Forest, Colorado, where they lived until the mid-80’s, when he started his aviation career. Jim received his degree in Aviation Electronics and then got a job with United Airlines. Jim and Sharon spent almost 5 years in San Francisco, California before having the opportunity to move back to Colorado. He worked on flight simulators at United Airlines for 17 years and then retired.

Even in "retirement", Jim never quit working. He continued with his aviation career working at Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology in Broomfield, Colorado, where he was an instructor and FAA examiner for mechanics, testing them for their certification to be able to repair airplanes.

In 2009, Jim and Sharon moved to Milliken, Colorado. Jim was not an idle man. He continued to work at the college and enjoy many of his hobbies. Most notably repairing and restoring antique and classic cars for himself and many others. His other hobbies included camping, fishing, HO model railroad, and playing guitar. He was a man of many talents and always kept busy.

Jim's family always came first. He was a very loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He was always willing to help others and pass on his knowledge. He was a wonderful man of many traits: funny, loving, thoughtful, and honest.

He will be greatly missed by his wife Sharon and his children James Jr, Sandy (Matt), and Douglas. He had 6 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild and was looking forward to a new great grandchild on the way.

A celebration of life is being planned for a later date, yet to be determined. Memories of Jim and words of condolence for his family are welcome at resthavencolorado.com.