James Erlinger

James "Jim" Franklin Erlinger was born on September 28, 1937, in Belleville, Illinois, and passed away on November 26, 2024, in Parker, Colorado. Born to Pauline and Elmer Erlinger and the third eldest of four children, Jim's childhood was an idyllic representation of the mid-century American Dream. As a young boy, he enjoyed exploring the woods behind his family's home, using his expansive imagination to create whimsical games to play with his younger brother, Danny.

In 1955, Jim graduated from Cathedral High School, summing up four years that encapsulated many of his most cherished memories. His list of accolades included: serving as president of his graduating class, varsity letterman of the football team, Editor-in-Chief of the yearbook, member of the honor roll, and participant in numerous clubs and extracurricular activities. Perhaps even more important to Jim, however, were the countless lifelong friendships he made and the camaraderie he built with his classmates. "Erg," as he was affectionately known, was a friend to everyone, and anyone had a seat at his table. One of many notes from classmates in Jim's senior yearbook stated, "To Jim: much success to one of the greatest fellows I have ever had the pleasure of knowing."

After graduating from Cathedral High School, Jim enrolled at Saint Louis University in St. Louis, Missouri, where he earned a bachelor's degree in English. His penchant for reading and learning continued well beyond his college years. Jim was a voracious reader and would often tackle two or three books at a time, spending long hours late into the evening immersed in some of his favorite titles. His reading list included everything from historical nonfiction on World War II battles to Agatha Christie mystery novels. He was an encyclopedia of dates and facts and was a captivating storyteller.

Jim's keen curiosity about the world led him to join the Navy after graduating from college, where he spent two years aboard the U.S.S. Yellowstone. During this time, he was stationed in Boston and throughout areas of England and Scotland, and was honorably discharged once his service ended.

With a degree under his belt and his need for adventure mostly fulfilled, Jim began a career with a major insurance corporation, where he swiftly moved up the ranks. In just a few short years, he was successfully overseeing the regional operations for a division within the corporation, becoming one of the company's youngest managers to do so. Jim was a powerhouse and an exceptional leader. He was responsible for managing the daily operations of several departments, including: information technology, accounting, agency relations, and human resources, among other responsibilities. Deeply committed to supporting his employees, he advocated for and promoted women and minorities at a time when such efforts were not prioritized within the business culture. Throughout his thirty-three years at the company, Jim demonstrated uncompromising integrity and upheld the highest standards of professional ethics.

Unbeknownst to Jim, the love of his life was also working in an adjacent department in the same building. After periodically noticing her walking into the building on several occasions, Jim finally got the chance to sit next to Denise at a company function, where he introduced himself. The two of them sat and talked for hours that evening. As their colleagues began to trickle out, Jim and Denise continued conversing late into the night. Six months later and in the middle of winter, they married in a historic hotel in Aspen, Colorado, on January 20, 1989. They were married for nearly thirty-six years and had two lovely daughters together.

Jim's great passion in life was fly fishing. He knew the rivers in Colorado, Wyoming, and Arkansas like the back of his hand. The art of the cast was a metaphor he lived by; steady patience and intuition bring the best catch. He knew which flies to use during each season, time of day, and specific section of a river. In his retirement years, he started a custom fly fishing rod building business. He painstakingly perfected each fishing rod with the utmost attention to detail, often spending weeks at a time on a single rod. He created beautiful custom rods for his wife and each of his daughters and would often take his family to his secret, sacred fishing spot-past the railroad tracks and deep into the canyon of the Colorado River.

Jim passed away peacefully at home in the loving and devoted arms of his wife, Denise (née Pettiette) Erlinger, and his two daughters, Adrienne and Danielle. Jim also leaves behind his brother, Robert Erlinger (Sydney), and sister, Evelyn Sehr (William), as well as many loving nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Pauline Erlinger; his son, Johnny Erlinger; and his younger brother, Dan Erlinger.

Our beloved Jim will forever be devotedly loved and deeply missed by his Family.