James (Jim) Wellbrock passed away peacefully in Arvada, CO on March 30, 2025 surrounded by family after bravely fighting a four year battle with pancreatic cancer. He was preceded in death by his parents Ed and Sally Wellbrock, brothers: Larry, Ronnie and Floyd; and sisters: Cora Wellbrock, Jeanette Harris and Dianne Paciello.
Jim is survived by his wife of 61 years, Jeanette (Jan), their children: Julie Taylor and John; grandchildren: Josh Taylor and Ashe Taylor; and great granddaughters: Annabelle and McKenzie. He is also survived by his brothers: Lee Wellbrock and partner Bonnie Dolata, Dennis Wellbrock and wife Theresa; three sisters: Kathleen Cooper, Betty Woodruff and husband Dennis, Brenda Gross and husband Gary; brothers-in-law: Art Harris and Harry Brungardt; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors and friends.
Jim was born on January 21, 1945 in the small farming community of Victoria, KS and attended schools there. He was one of 12 children, 6 boys and 6 girls. He was exactly in the middle in age, 11 years younger than the oldest and 11 older than the youngest sibling. Growing up on a farm, Jim learned the value of hard work. After he moved away, he often returned to help with wheat harvest.
Jim married his sweetheart, Jan, on February 1, 1964. They lived in Salina, KS for a few years before moving to the Denver area for job opportunities and to join other family members who had moved to Colorado. Both of their children were born in Colorado. Jim worked in supervisory positions in trailer manufacturing almost all of his working life. He transferred to Wayne, NE in 1986, where he and Jan met many new friends and enjoyed the nature surrounding them in that area. They later moved back to Colorado and into their current home in Arvada, CO.
Jim loved his family, the outdoors, music, gardening, professional sports, photography, hunting and fishing. Jim was happiest surrounded by family and friends. Jim and Jan’s home was the go-to place for family gatherings and large Christmas Eve get-togethers.
After he retired, Jim spent many hours working in the garage playing music, mostly old country and polka music. The neighbors are sure to miss the entertainment. Jim spent many hours in early retirement taking beautiful photos of the picturesque Rocky Mountains. He had many of those photos enlarged and framed and they are prominently displayed in their home.
Out of all of his hobbies, Jim loved fishing for walleye the most. He spent many hours on the lake, mostly at Glendo, WY where he was a serious and excellent fisherman.
A man like Jim is one in a million and he will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
A Memorial Service will be held on April 25, 2025 at Mount Olivet Chapel and Cemetery at 12801 W 44th Ave., Wheat Ridge CO. Services will begin at 9:00AM followed by graveside services. A lunch will be served following the memorial at Denver Kickers Club at 16776 W. 50th Ave., Golden, CO.