James O Hubbard

Jim was born March 2, 1941, in Grand Junction to Sie and Mildred Hubbard. Jim resided in Gateway his whole life apart from his time in the military. He grew up on the family ranch, helping raise cattle, farm, and fixing machinery. He was good with horses and often when he found one sleeping would sneak up to and get on its back before it stood up. All of his formal education took place at the 1st-12th school in Gateway. He was a member of the graduating class of 1960.

Jim was very proud of his time in the Marines, serving from 1961 to 1965. Serving his country was something he talked about often. He completed his basic training at Camp Pendleton in San Diego, CA. During his four years of service, he was stationed at 29 Palms in California, Okinawa, Japan, and in the Philippines.

Jim started J.O. Hubbard Construction in 1966. ‘Getting paid to play in the dirt’ as he put it brought him a lot of joy. He continued to do so until the summer of 2021. He also worked for his parents, Mac & Hac, Union Carbide, and many other companies as well as individuals as a contractor. He did a lot of dirt work and free work in building the new Gateway Community Center. He did the dirt work for the Whitewater Shooting Range. He enjoyed going to gun shows, auctions, and going out to eat.

Although he never truly retired, later in life he spent as much time as he could in the La Sal Mountains, reminiscing of times past and showing ‘the tourists’ around. Anyone that knew Jim well, knew where to find him on July 4th, his favorite holiday. With the exception of his time in the military, he spent time every year on or around July 4th at Beaver Basin. Many memories were made there with his help and will be forever cherished.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Sie and Mildred Hubbard, brother-in-law Steve Williams, and brother-in-law Elbert Colcord. He is survived by his brother Kelly (Janella) Hubbard of Whitewater, CO; sister Marilyn Colcord of Cortez, CO; brother Bill (Becky) Hubbard of Loma, CO; sister Carolyn Williams of LaGrange, WY. He is also survived by fourteen nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, cousins, and a host of friends.

Donations can be made in Jim’s memory to the following: USO Department WS, P.O. Box 96860, Washington, D.C. 20090-6860; Salvation Army, Grand Junction Corps, 1235 N 4th Street, Grand Junction, CO 81501; Food Bank of the Rockies, Western Slope Branch, 120 N River Rd, Palisade, CO 81526

Arrangements entrusted to Martin Mortuary.