James Russell “Jim” Garlinghouse November 3, 1946 – August 1, 2026 James Russell “Jim” Garlinghouse was born on November 3, 1946, at Mercy Hospital in Durango, Colorado, to Ruth Huckabay Garlinghouse and James Buell “Bub” Garlinghouse. He was brought home to Lewis, Colorado, where he was welcomed by his big sister, Carolyn. Jim attended grade school and junior high in Cortez, Colorado, and graduated from Montezuma-Cortez High School in 1964. During those school years, he formed friendships that would remain with him throughout his life. After graduation, Jim enrolled in an automotive program in Denver, earning his certification in 1966. During the Vietnam era, Jim was drafted into the United States Army and stationed in Wiesbaden, Germany, where he worked on the Pershing missile system. On January 31, 1969, Jim married Kathryn Kay Rourk in Santa Ana, California. While living in California, Jim worked at Ellsworth Automotive, and later that year, he and Kay welcomed their son, Marc. After the major California earthquake in 1970, Jim and Kay decided it was time to leave California and get back to the life and country they knew and loved in Lewis. They packed up their young family and returned home to the farm. They lived in Yellow Jacket while building their home next to Jim’s parents, and Jim returned to working the farm and ranch alongside his father. Eighteen months after Marc was born, Jim and Kay welcomed their daughter, Monica. She was a daddy’s girl from the very beginning and quickly had him wrapped around her tiny finger. Jim was a devoted and doting father to his little girl, a bond that remained special throughout his life. Jim loved animals and the farm life. During the 1980s, raising chickens and pigeons brought him particular joy. He enjoyed traveling to nearby communities for races and events and even made trips to California for pigeon races. Jim and Kay were also deeply involved in the early development of the Lewis-Arriola Volunteer Fire Department. Together, they helped spearhead training opportunities and enjoyed the friendships, teamwork, and camaraderie that came with being part of the fire department community. Over the years, Jim held several different jobs while continuing to work the farm and ranch. During the years while Marc and Monica were in high school and later away at college, Jim worked for Montezuma County. Looking for something a little less physically demanding, he later tried his hand as a casino dealer. Jim had always enjoyed playing craps, and he found that he genuinely enjoyed working as a dealer as well. Jim eventually became a bus driver for the Montezuma-Cortez School District, where he worked until his retirement. He later said that one of the things he liked most about driving the bus was that the hours still allowed him time to work the farm with Marc. Till the higher elevation made it difficult to breathe and he and Kay retired to Texas he’d joke, Texas street in Cortez. Anyone who knew Jim knew how much he enjoyed a hot cup of coffee and a good visit. He was a familiar face at places like Basin Co-op, Big O Tires, and Country Gas, where he could often be found drinking coffee and visiting with whoever happened to be there. That habit—and his desire for the company of others—stayed with him even throughout his brave struggle with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. He would still make his way to Big O, happy to sit and visit with anyone willing to visit back. Those simple conversations and familiar faces continued to mean something to him, even as so many other things became more difficult. Jim passed away peacefully on August 1, 2026, after several difficult years recovering from multiple strokes and living with dementia and sundowners insomnia. After a long and courageous struggle, he simply fell asleep and was granted eternal rest. Jim’s life was rooted in family, farming, friendship, hard work, and the community he called home. From the fields and farm in Lewis, to the fire department, the school bus, and the countless cups of coffee shared over the years, he leaves behind a lifetime of memories and a place in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. A celebration of Jim’s life will be held at the Lewis-Arriola Volunteer Fire Department September 12th 2026 at 2:00 pm. Burial will take place at Lewis Cemetery near his mom and dad. Jim is survived by his wife Kay Rourk Garlinghouse, his children Marc Garlinghouse and Monica Garlinghouse Haptonstall; his grandchildren, great grandchildren, his Sister Carolyn Garlinghouse Stephens and her husband Ronnie. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, James Buell “Bub” Garlinghouse and Ruth Huckabay Garlinghouse. In lieu of flowers the family has requested living plants.