James Arthur Stander

James Arthur Stander, 82, lovingly known to his family and many friends as Jim, passed away while holding the hand of his wife on Sept. 20, 2014, at 4:44 p.m. in Reno, Nevada.

Born on December 20, 1931 in Kimball, to Fred and Minnie Stander, Jim was raised on his family's wheat farm. He and his sister continued to manage farm land in Kimball and Ashland up until his passing. During Jim's adolescence, his family moved to Denver, Colo., where Jim remained for most of his life.

Jim's great talent playing football and his sharp intellect led him to Colorado University in Boulder, where he was a notable defensive tackle, appearing frequently in the press under the nickname he earned for his power and size, "Tree." Jim had a lifelong love of CU, where he received an undergraduate degree as well as a Juris Doctorate.

Jim proudly served his country as a soldier in Nevada and Washington state before settling down again in Colorado to practice law and raise a family with his wife of 51 years. A dedicated family man, Jim always remained an active, supportive and loving presence in the lives of his three children, as well as his three grandchildren.

Sports were paramount among the many things that delighted Jim. No fan was more dedicated to the Denver Broncos, the Colorado Rockies or his beloved CU Buffs. Jim's own avid athletic pursuits included tennis, long distance running and bicycling. He also loved playing cards and spent many happy hours mastering bridge and sharing cribbage games with his father and his sons.

More than anything, Jim was loved deeply and well. He inspired love in the many friends he kept over the course of his long life through his constancy, generosity, integrity, optimism and unbridled affection. His family and friends unanimously agree that Jim was a fine and deeply loving man with a great sense of humor and a genuine sense of joy in life.

Jim is survived by his wife, Linda Leyden Stander; his children, Michael Stander, Melissa Stander and John Stander; his grandchildren, Dashiell Stander, Lily Stander and Raphael Marquez-Stander; and his sister, Marjorie Dillon.

A memorial service to celebrate Jim's life will be held on Oct. 17 at 10 a.m. at Holy Ghost Catholic Church, located at 1900 California St. in Denver, Colo.

A receptions will follow at The Old Spaghetti Factory, located at 1215 18th Street in Denver, Colo.