Obituary of James F. Etzel

James F. Etzel

James F Etzel (Chief Etzel) passed away in his home surrounded by his family on August 13, 2022 at the age of 81.

He was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan on June 21st, 1941 to Martin and Fran Etzel. He lived in Michigan until 1957. His family moved to Englewood, Colorado, where he met his high school, and lifelong, sweetheart Ginny Enyart.  They were married on October 9th, 1960 in Littleton.  Jim had enlisted in the Navy and the newlyweds moved to San Diego, California and ultimately to Norfolk, Virginia for three years.  A son (Martin) was born to them on September 25th, 1961.  The new family moved back to Englewood, Colorado in 1964.  The Etzel family continued to grow with the birth of their daughter Kimberlyn,  on April 27th, 1965.

Jim worked as a Deputy at the Arapahoe County Sheriff Department until 1967 when he joined the Littleton Fire Department. He climbed the "Fire Ladder" from firefighter, to Engineer, to Lieutenant, to Captain. In 1979, Jim became the Fire Chief for the Castlewood Fire District. During his tenure at Castlewood, he was a founding member of the Fallen Firefighter's Memorial and President of the International Fire Chief's Association. Jim retired in 1993 to follow his passion in traveling the country with Ginny.  They spent the next 29 years being snowbirds in Yuma, AZ and Palm Springs, CA. Other retirement passions included being members of the Mile High Vintage Chevrolet Car Club.

Jim is survived by his wife Ginny, son Martin (Doug), daughter Kimberlyn (Dave), brother William (Joyce), sister Sandy, brother Dave (Shirley), 4 Grandchildren, and 6 Great Grandchildren.  He is preceded in death by his parents and sister Jeanne.

Celebration of Life will be held at Plum Creek Church in Castle Rock, Colorado on Friday August 26th, 2022 at 11:30am.  The Committal Service will be held at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Castle Rock, Colorado at 1:00 pm.  Reception will follow the Committal Service at Plum Creek Church.

The Celebration of Life will be streamed on the following:  https://ucdenver.zoom.us/j/92019824686

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society 

online:

cancer.org (select "Give in honor & memorial")

or by mail:

PO Box 42040

Oklahoma City, OK 73123