James Harry Rose

March 11, 1947 - December 15, 2015

James Harry Rose passed away at St. Mary’s Hospital with his long-time companion, Beverly Dill by his side. James (Jim), known to many as Jimmy, was born in Grand Junction to Frank Sidney and Eleanor Virginia (Ragan) Rose. He was the second oldest of six Rose children. Jim graduated from Grand Junction High School in 1965. He worked in paint sales until he opened JJ’s Lounge. There, he enjoyed serving customers and playing his county western music. Many of those customers he considered extended family. Every Thanksgiving and Christmas, Jim enjoyed hosting a free holiday meal at the lounge for anyone to attend. In 1995 he sold JJ’s and moved to Delta.

He had a variety of interests – he most of all enjoyed being outdoors, fly fishing and bow hunting. He was very musical and enjoyed singing, playing the drums, bass guitar and hosting karaoke events. He participated in the Big Brother program, loved playing cribbage and was a die-hard Denver Broncos fan. Jim was the longest living artificial heart valve recipient in the country, and the heart valve never failed him, even after 49 years. He was known for his saying “There's the right way, the wrong way, and the Jim Rose way”. The greatest joy in his life were his children and grandchildren.

He is survived by daughters from his marriage to Dian April Dodson; Heather Greisz, husband Alan and their children Ivan and Rosalind, of Whispering Pines, N.C. and Rayne Sommers, husband Bronson and their children Ella and Grant of Castle Rock. He is also survived by his sisters and brothers; Diane Miller, Frank Rose Jr., Lorraine Warzeniak and Richard Rose. He was predeceased by his parents and his sister, Virginia Rose.

A celebration of life will be planned for a later date. Please send contact information to [email protected] so the family may send out information later. The family requests in lieu of flowers, please make a memorial donation to your favorite charity in Jim’s name and go spend time soon in the beautiful Colorado great outdoors.