James H. Jeppesen III

James H. Jeppesen, III, 52, of Platteville, died October 11, 2011 at his residence. James was born August 24, 1959 in Eugene, Oregon to James H. Jeppesen, Jr and Clarice Jeppesen. They brought him from the hospital to the home that his mother still resides in today. Feeling he was a social outcast, James developed a deep affection toward animals. He even coxed wild squirrels to eat from his hand and crawl on his shoulders. Hairy, his favorite cat was his constant companion from the time he was ten years old until he completed college. His Aunt Jean made a stuffed animal that resembled this beloved pet.

Throughout his elementary years, he spent more time in the principal's office than the classroom. Daily, he planned what time he would be suspended from school to watch his favorite television shows. James, along with four other boys, tied up their fifth grade teacher and threatened to "burn her at the stake."

During seventh and eighth grade, he attended confirmation under the direction of Pastor Westberg. At this time, the Scriptures became real to him and he committed his life to Jesus Christ. However, his Junior High School Principal still informed his parents that he was "not college material!"

Throughout high school, James played bass for the orchestra. After diligent work on his studies, James raised his 1.7 GPA to graduate with a 3.8.

Later, James graduated Cum Laude from Oregon Institute of Technology in Klamath Falls, Oregon. Immediately following his graduation, he married his high school sweetheart, Patricia D. Shumway and they moved to Southern California where he worked as an engineer at Burroughs. While working at Burroughs/Unisys, James earned over a dozen patents. Tragically, Patti died in 1989 after numerous heart surgeries.

A year after a brief rude encounter with Nanette Thayer, James decided to meet her again on October 13, 1990. He "pursued" her and on Thanksgiving Day, he fell in love as he walked barefoot in the sand with his "California Beach Girl." They were engaged on January 17, 1991. For Valentine's Day, Nanette gave James classes to earn his Scuba Diving Certification. Throughout their engagement, James often expressed his dismay at the thought of marrying an elementary schoolteacher. On July 6, 1991, Nanette Norene Thayer married Prince Charming. James the IV and Joshua were born in Laguna Hills, California.

In 1996, James earned his MBA with straight A's from Pepperdine University. As soon as Nanette completed her Masters, James left his job at QLogic to join Infineon in Longmont, Colorado. Their son Josiah was born in Loveland, Colorado in 2000.

When Infineon decided to close its Longmont site, James and Roger Longstreet traveled to California to propose the opening of a Colorado site for Marvell Semiconductors. Spring of 2003, the initial group spent several months in California with a few week-end visits home. James often commented that he had a good team deserving employment. Marvell's Longmont site grew considerably and numerous co-workers express that James was an intelligent engineer and caring manager.

In February of 2007, James was diagnosed with cancer. The following year, James' beloved father went to be with the Lord. Throughout numerous surgeries, chemotherapies, radiation and natural treatments, James fought to rid his body of the disease. More important, his faith in his Creator and his devotion to his family, friends and co-workers intensified. We rejoice that he is now in the presence of His Lord and Savior.

A funeral service will be held at Calvary Church in Longmont at 1 pm on Tuesday, October 18, 2011. Burial will follow at the Johnstown Cemetery in Johnstown, CO. In lieu of flowers, the family requests gifts be presented to one of the organizations he supported passionately:

Open Doors to provide Bibles to those who struggle to acquire them: Opendoorsusa.org Life Choices Pregnancy to protect unborn babies and their mothers in our community: Life Choices, 20 W. Mountain View Ave., Longmont, CO 80501

Arrangements have been entrusted to Carroll-Lewellen Funeral and Cremation services. Please share condolences at www.carroll-lewellen.com