Obituary of James Smart Donaldson

James Smart Donaldson, Sr.

 

March 17, 1949—February 7, 2021

On Sunday, February 7^th, 2021 James Donaldson, devoted husband, loving father of four children, and beloved grandfather to seven grandchildren, went to be with his Jesus.  His family, both immediate and extended, as well as his countless friends will miss him immensely.

Jim was born on March 17, 1949 in Denver Colorado to George and Rena Donaldson.  He attended Arapahoe Community College for two years before beginning his career as a Master Plumber.  He spent 12 years with the Local Plumber’s Union and 30 years with the University of Colorado Health and Sciences Center.  In his years at UC Health, he won multiple safety awards and created new safety guidelines that were implemented department wide.  On February 22, 1985, he married Xan Reiter.  They raised two sons, Chris and James, Jr. and two daughters, Lisa and Brandi.

Jim had an unparalleled love for his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  This devotion permeated every other aspect of his life.  He enjoyed gardening, both flowers and state fair worthy sized pumpkins.  Growing up in Colorado, he had the requisite love of the outdoors and liked to hike.  Jim sang bass in the church choir for many years and loved a good game of chess.  He possessed a unique ability to cultivate relationships with others through his gift of communication and presence.  Jim was eternally patient, endlessly affectionate, hysterically funny, kind, full of joy and always had a sparkle in his beautiful blue eyes. 

Jim was preceded in death by his father, George, his mother, Rena, and his sister, Arlene.  He is survived by his wife Xan, his four children, Lisa (Ramsey), Chris (Wanda), Brandi (Brian), and Jimmy, his sisters Cathie and Carolyn, his grandchildren, Cassy, Kayla, Kelsey, Adalyn, Mitchell, Elijah, and Joseph, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held on February 18, 2021 at Foothills Bible Church in Littleton, Colorado at 10 o’clock a.m.  At the request of the family, please honor Jim’s classic and casual style and wear jeans. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The Brain Injury Hope Foundation at https://www.braininjuryhopefoundation.org/donation/ in the memory of James Donaldson.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, graveside service to follow by invitation only.