James "Jim" Moreland

James "Jim" A. Moreland of Rocky Ford passed away on Friday, May 17th in Pueblo, at the age of 84. He is survived by his wife, Marjorie Moreland of Rocky Ford; sons Jon Moreland of Rocky Ford, Jeff (Becca) Moreland of Golden, and Brett (Margie) Moreland of Pueblo; grandchildren Vanessa (Juan) Rodriguez of Pueblo, Max Moreland of Spokane, WA, Emily Moreland of Rocky Ford, Gracie Moreland of Rocky Ford, and Finnegan Moreland of Golden; and great-grandchildren Carmyn, Juan Allen, and Issac Rodriguez of Pueblo. He is preceded in death by his parents Ray Moreland (1982) and Evelyn (Culverwell) Moreland (2004) as well as his brother, Edward Moreland (1978).
Jim was a southeastern Colorado native through and through; he was born in La Junta on January 22nd, 1940, and raised in Ordway, Colorado, where he graduated from Ordway High School in 1958. He was the first wrestling state champion in the history of the high school, where his banner still hangs for winning that state title in (1958). After graduating high school, he continued onto college at Colorado State University (known as Colorado A&M during his enrollment), where he graduated with a degree in marketing in 1962; he also participated in ROTC and was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity during his time at the university. Although the degree was a big accomplishment, he would tell you his greatest accomplishment in college was meeting his wife, Margie. The two married on August 3rd, 1962. After finishing college, Jim enlisted in the military, where he served as an officer in the army. Following his military service, Jim and Margie moved to Rocky Ford, where he worked in the family business with his father and brother. He spent his entire adult career serving the agricultural communities in Southern Colorado, and Northern New Mexico selling and servicing farm equipment. Eventually all three of his sons were born and raised in Rocky Ford. Jim was involved heavily in his community, which he enjoyed and took immense pride in. He served on boards for the State Bank, The Ray Parr Foundation, Rocky Ford City Council, and the Hospital Board, to name a few. He also served many years as Board Member and President for the Far West Equipment Dealers Association. He was a member of many community organizations, including the Rocky Ford Lion's Club, Rocky Ford Elk's Club, and Masonic Lodge. He also was heavily involved with the Rocky Ford Wrestling Foundation during its heyday and played a key role in getting the Gobin Building built. When not serving his community, Jim could often be found with family and friends around the dinner table enjoying good food, good company, and good wine.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to/checks payable to: The Rocky Ford Elks Club Building Fund, 301 North 9th St., Rocky Ford, Colorado 81067 in honor of Jim's life and dedication to his community.