Obituary of James Stanley Black

James Stanley Black, born Feb 6, 1946, passed away peacefully, after a long battle with cancer, on Feb 13th, 2024. His family was with him at the end and throughout his life. He hung on long enough to attend his 78th birthday party.

Jim was born in San Francisco, California, to Norton Prather Black and Mary Elva Orchard Black. He grew up in Seattle, Washington. As a veteran of the Vietnam war, Jim attended the University of Washington on the GI bill. He studied Chinese and found his greatest and longest hobby, the game of bridge.

Jim leaves behind his wife, Melissa Lanza Black, whom he was married to for over 52 years. They met in Colorado Springs in 1969 as he was leaving the Army. They married in 1971. Early on, Jim and Melissa lived in Seattle, Washington and then Craig, Colorado. While in Craig, he worked in the Texaco oil fields. In 1983, Jim moved his family to Colorado Springs, where he lived for the duration of his years. Jim had a successful sales career; selling cars, crane services for Cowen Crane, as well as for his own company, Black’s Crane Service. 

Jim’s catholic faith was very important to him. He attended Our Lady of Perpetual Help church in Manitou Springs for 29 years. Jim was a beloved member of the Colorado Springs bridge club and an accomplished player for nearly 40 years. He also had great passion for fly fishing, the outdoors and jokes. Jim loved to tell jokes. Everyone who met him heard a joke. He always found a way to make everyone laugh; lightening the mood of those around him to the very end.

Jim is survived by the love of his life, Melissa; and his three sons Nathaniel, Anthony (Courtney) and Andrew (Lisa), who all agree he was the best dad in the world. He is also survived by his brother Dan (Kim) and his grandchildren Joseph (May), Alexander, Corban, Madelaine and Harrison. He is preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, Eric and Jeffrey, and his grandson, Elijah.

Memorial service:

Tuesday March 12th, 2024

10:00 a.m. memorial mass, 9:30 a.m. rosary

Sacred Heart Catholic Church 

2030 W Colorado Avenue 

Colorado Springs, CO 80904