Wenceslaus "Jim" Styvar

Born on September 5, 1930, in Lesterville, South Dakota, to the late Joseph and Mary (Tlamka) Styvar, Jim grew up in Hemingford, Nebraska, alongside his brother and sisters. As a young man, he moved to Reliance, Wyoming, where he worked in the coal mines while attending high school, graduating from Reliance High School in 1948. Following graduation, Jim proudly served his country in the United States Navy during the Korean War.

Jim’s life changed forever at an Easter dance in Alliance, Nebraska, when he met Shirley Votruba. A friend of Shirley’s brother, Jim caught her eye immediately. Shirley asked the handsome sailor to dance, marking the beginning of a lifelong love story. The two were married on August 1, 1955, at St. Bridget’s Catholic Church in Alliance. They were blessed with two children.

Jim attended Milford Technical School in Nebraska and became a skilled tool and die maker. He worked for Stanley Aviation in Denver and Hercules Powder Company in Bacchus, Utah. To bring Shirley closer to home and family, they relocated to Loveland, Colorado, where Jim worked with Hewlett-Packard until his retirement.

Jim and Shirley were truly inseparable. They did everything side by side—building their home in Loveland, raising their family, and running everyday errands like weekly grocery trips together. Following Shirley’s retirement, they embraced new adventures, spending years traveling in their RV, taking cruises, and making memories with the Good Sam Camping Club.

A lifelong athlete, Jim played football and basketball in high school and remained active well into adulthood, competing on bowling teams and making a name for himself as an outstanding first baseman in local softball leagues. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping. He was exceptionally handy, always able to fix, build, or craft whatever was needed. A faithful lifetime Catholic, Jim was an active parishioner at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Loveland.

As a father to Ed and Mary, Jim was an unwavering presence. Patient, quiet, and endlessly supportive, he taught his kids how to ride their bikes, use tools, and approach life with a steady hand. He was kind and generous man and was well-liked by all who knew him. He had a beautiful smile, a warm presence, and a subtle, dry humor about him. He will be dearly missed.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife and dance partner of more than 71 years, Shirley Styvar; his children, Ed Styvar (Maria) and Mary Moore (Ken); grandchildren, Bradlee (Justice) and Bailee (Ronald); his great-grandson, Clyde; step-great-granddaughter, Marisah; and by his brother, Bill Styvar (Pat).

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his sisters, Barbara (John) and Marie (Harvey).

Services will be held for Jim on Thursday, October 1, 2026. His Memorial Mass will take place at 11am at St. John’s Catholic Church in Loveland followed by a luncheon at the church. He will be placed to rest at 2pm at Resthaven Memory Gardens in Fort Collins, Colorado. Military Honors will be rendered in recognition of his service to his country.

Memorial contributions are welcome to the Wounded Warrior Project. Fond memories of Jim and words of condolence for his family are welcome at resthavencolorado.com.