James Frank Pacello

Jim grew up in North Denver where he attended St Patrick’s grade school. In his early years he enjoyed playing ball in the Rough Riders league which lead to playing football, basketball and baseball at Cathedral High School. After graduating, he attended Regis University and served in the Air National Guard Reserve.

Donna met Jim in the spring of 1954 and married in 1956. They raised their family in Northglenn, CO which included three children, Dean, Rick and Valerie. He graduated from Regis University and went on to earn his MA degree in Education from CSU. Jim taught at Mount Carmel from 1960 to 1962 then went on to be a teacher, principal and Executive Director of Elementary Education in Adams County District 1. In the early 1980’s, while still working for the school district, Jim and Donna ventured into the restaurant business and purchased Donte’s Italian Restaurant in Federal Heights. It was a successful passion of the Pacello family for several years. In July 1992 he retired as Executive Director of Special Projects. After retirement from Adams County he was the principal at St Peter & Paul.

Beyond family and work, Jim enjoyed a variety of activities and hobbies. This included going to the dog track, poker games and golf with friends. In addition to playing golf, he worked at West Woods Golf Course and volunteered at Highland Hills Golf Course. He had an affinity for Model A’s and belonged to a Model A club, participating in many parades, where he could show off his beloved car. Jim enjoyed time spent at the Louisville Rod and Gun Club. He and Donna spent many early mornings over breakfast burritos and fishing poles. They also loved to travel together, especially cruises and visits to Branson, Missouri. Jim also made time to work out at Bally’s faithfully for many years.

Jim passed away April 2, 2019 in Broomfield, CO at the age of 83. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Donna; their children, Dean and his wife, Bonnie; Rick and his wife, Cynthia; and Valerie and her husband, Robb; grandchildren, Aaron, Tony, Aubrey, Logan, Colton, Casey; step-grandchildren, Taylor, Ellie, Brandon, Lindsey, Olivia; step-great grandchildren, Dallas, Jackson, London, Marcus and Alana; his brother, Ted Pacello and his wife JoAnn; and his sister, Nan Pacello.

The viewing will be Monday, April 8th at 6pm followed by the Recitation of the Rosary at 7:00 pm. The Mass of Christian Burial is Tuesday, April 9th at 10:30 a.m. All three will be held at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Parish, 11385 Grant Drive, Northglenn, CO 80233. Entombment will follow the mass at the Tower of Memories at Olinger Crown Hill Cemetery, 7777 W. 29th Avenue in Wheat Ridge, CO 80033 at approximately 12pm. A reception will follow at Crown Hill.