James Martin Dwyer

James "Jim" Martin Dwyer, 75, of Fort Collins, died October 27, 2014 at his home. Jim was born December 29, 1938 in Newark, NJ to James and Catherine Dwyer, and was raised in New York, attending Bayside High School. He married the late Marty Dwyer on October 20, 1962 in New York City. As a husband, father, family man and business person, Jim lived by the credo "actions speak louder than words". Jim and Marty raised a family of five boys together and accepted into their home 12 foster children from all walks of life over a 30-year span. Jim owned and managed Fort Collins Muffler and Automotive since 1977. His commitment to customer satisfaction, his ability to connect with people, and the support of many family, friends and employees led to the shop's growth from a small, entrepreneurial venture to a successful, community-oriented, family-owned enterprise now operated by his third son, Brian. Jim supported Marty's volunteer efforts in the community and championed several of his own, including Fort Collins Youth Baseball, and Realities for Children. Jim was dubbed "Mr. Hockey" for his advocacy on behalf of the Edora Pool and Ice Center's construction in 1986, and for expansion of its hockey programs and facilities thereafter. The forming of the first adult hockey league spurred Jim to don skates at the age of 48. Please go to https://www.fcaha.org to read what Fort Collins Adult Hockey Association posted concerning Jim. Jim's love of family and community was also accompanied by a love of horses and western-style horseback riding. A lover of the Spanish Barb breed, Jim taught scores of people to ride and logged thousands of hours as a mounted patrolman and Poudre Wilderness Volunteer in the National Forest system. Jim is survived by five sons and their families children in parentheses: James "Jimmy" and Joy Dwyer of Boston Erin and Jimmy Dwyer, Kevin and Tisha Dwyer Kaitlyn, Courtney, Camryn, and Brian and Lisa Dwyer Jeff, Beth, Mandie, all of Fort Collins, Christopher and Jillian Dwyer Ahna of Manitou Springs, and Dennis and Caralyn Dwyer one on the way! of Torrance, California; the children and families of Jim's late brothers, Dan and Jackie Dwyer, his sister-in-law, Mary Griffin, her husband, Matt and their children and families, and his sister-in-law, Peggy Flaherty and her two daughters, spouses and families; and six foster sons and daughters and their spouses and families. In all, Jim is survived by 17 granddaughters, eight grandsons, eight nieces, and five nephews. A mass of Christian Burial will be at 1:00 p.m. on Friday at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, 5450 S. Lemay Ave. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Realities for Children or the Alzheimer's Association, Colorado Chapter. Contributions should be made in memory of Jim Dwyer, in care of Bohlender Funeral Chapel, 121 W. Olive Street, Fort Collins, CO 80524.

Tributes

James Martin Dwyer

December 29, 2014 - October 27, 2014