James Herbert Wagner, Jr.

James Jim Wagner, 71, of Fort Collins. died peacefully May 9, 2012. He was born in San Diego on December 15, 1940. He graduated from Shawnee Mission High School and attended Kansas State University then graduated from Wichita University. He met Linda on a blind date March 21, 1959 at age 18. and they married in Wichita on June 2, 1962. They moved to Boulder in 1964 where Jim got a Masters Degree at University of Colorado and used his electrical engineering skills in the field of air quality at Beech Aircraft and Westinghouse Georesearch Lab. Daughters Julie and Jenny were born in Boulder. . Jim received many awards for community work as a member of Jaycees. He taught Sunday School and served faithfully at Mountain View Methodist Church. Relocating to Fort Collins in 1974, he worked in the field of air quality, most recently for 12 years at Air Resource Specialists, retiring in 2002. He served over 15 years on the Cherry Hills Sewer District Board and was a member of First Presbyterian Church. Always a devoted husband, father, brother, son, and a faithful friend-giving support and love to each. He was a people person, a good listener-patient. good-natured, light-hearted. He never missed a chance to laugh or share in a practical joke. He loved being a spectator and participant in many sports. Ran many 10K races and completed two half marathons. Softballpitcher, flag football, co-ed soccer, cross country skiingraces, hiking, backpacking, and, in his 50's, began playing ice hockey with co-workers. He was a loyal supporter of the CU Buffs, Denver Broncos, and Avalanche Hockey for all his years in Colorado. Hunting with six great friends over 25 years was always a much anticipated Fall event. Jeeps were his signature car most of his life. He drove over a half dozen of them-until they pretty much fell apart in the road. He could never spend enough time flyfishing in Colorado streams and lakes-especially those at the Pingree Park Cabin-never any bait on his hook-only dry flies. He was good at catching trout but that never mattered-standing in the streams surrounded by the Rocky Mountains he so loved was enough. He is greatly missed, much loved, always remembered He is survived by his wife, Linda, daughters Julie FeglerKeith, two grandaughters Elise and Allison of Chesterfield, Virginia, daughter Jennifer WagnerGary Tubesing of Fort Collins, Sister Edwina Turnage and niece Kim MaloneyBrian of St. Louis and two dear granddogs, Ellie and Boomer, to whom he always gave much TLC. The family thanks Dr. William Lopez, Dr.Grant Taylor and Pathways Hospice for their excellent care and especially everyone at Aspen House of Loveland for bringing joy to Jim and meeting his needs so well each day he lived there. The family requests that in lieu of flowers memorial donations be made to the Alzheimer Association, Elderhaus of Ft. Collins, or Pathways Hospice of Fort Collins in care of Bohlender Funeral Home, 121 West Olive, Fort Collins, 80524. A celebration of Jim's life will be held at First Presbyterian Church, 532 South College, Fort Collins, CO 80524 on Friday, May 18, at 10 am. . He fought a nine year battle with Alzheimer Disease with much courage and bravery-with his compassionate, kind, gentle nature still shining through.