Cover photo for James "Jim" Rodney Wardlaw's Obituary
James "Jim" Rodney Wardlaw Profile Photo

James "Jim" Rodney Wardlaw

February 26, 1947 — May 18, 2024

Olathe, CO

James “Jim” Rodney Wardlaw of Olathe, CO was born February 26, 1947 in Paonia CO to Raymond and Hilda (Minerich) Wardlaw, and passed away suddenly and unexpectedly May 18, 2024 at Montrose Memorial Hospital.

He attended both Paonia and Roaring Fork High Schools and graduated from Roaring Fork High School in 1965.  Instead of being drafted into the Army, he enlisted in the Air Force.  He worked as an Aircraft Airframe Repair Technician on B-52 bombers and KC135 in-air refuelers.

Jim married Cynthia L. Demuele in December 1965.  While stationed at Seymour Johnson Air Base in Goldsboro, NC their first son, Raymond, was born January 30, 1967. Their daughter Denice was born September 10, 1969.   Ray was 12 and Denice was 10 when their mother passed away of complications with lupus. She was only 30 years old.

In 1980 Jim married Patra Nimon and their son Robert was born June 8, 1982 in Glenwood Springs.   The marriage ended in divorce.  At this time Jim worked at ARCO Coal (West Elk Mine) in Somerset, CO as a warehouse supervisor.  He retired in 2010 after 28 years.

Jim married Sheryl Davis in April of 1995 and they recently celebrated their 29th anniversary.

His passions in life were hunting, fishing, reloading and carving, but most of all his family.

Jim is survived by his wife Sheryl, brothers Alan Evans and Bonnie of Iowa, Raymond and wife Peggy Wardlaw of Montrose, CO and Len and wife Cindy of Delta, Colorado; children Raymond, Denice and husband Matt Riffey, Rob and wife Danelle Wardlaw; granddaughters Sydney Reynolds, Rachel Buck, Madison Riffey, Rebecca LeBaron, Rory Wardlaw and Blair Wardlaw. His grandson is Brodie Wardlaw and he was also blessed with 2 great-granddaughters, Penelope Reynolds and Georgia Buck. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother John Wardlaw.

In leu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to Hope West in Montrose, CO, 725 S. 4th St. Montrose, CO  81401.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, May 25 at 2:00 at Crippin Funeral Home in Montrose, CO.

Cards are welcomed at 53648 Falcon Road, Olathe, CO  81425

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James "Jim" Rodney Wardlaw, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Celebration of Life

Saturday, May 25, 2024

2:00 - 3:00 pm (Mountain time)

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In leu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to Hope West in Montrose, CO, 725 S. 4th St. Montrose, CO 81401. A celebration of life will be held Saturday, May 25 at 2:00 at Crippin Funeral Home in Montrose, CO. Cards are welcomed at 53648 Falcon Road, Olathe, CO 81425

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