James Robert Manspeaker

James Robert "Jim" Manspeaker

June 2, 1941 - September 28, 2024

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and legendary public servant

As his family marks the one-year anniversary of his passing, we share this obituary to honor and celebrate the remarkable life of James Robert "Jim" Manspeaker, who passed away peacefully at his home in Tubac, Arizona, on September 28, 2024, at the age of 83.

Jim was born on June 2, 1941, and was preceded in death by his twin brother Jewell Charles Manspeaker, and sisters Kay Clevenger and Jeanne Taylor. He is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Francine Manspeaker; his children Tamara Manspeaker Cantrel, Todd Manspeaker, Trudy Franklin, Tobi Manspeaker, Frank Berardi, and Chad Virginn; and by numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Jim's career in the U.S. District Court began in 1962 as a young file clerk, but his talent, work ethic, and leadership quickly earned him the position of Clerk of the Court in 1972-a role he held and excelled in for over three decades. Known for his humility and sharp wit, Jim was as comfortable running high-profile federal trials as he was crawling under a secretary's desk to fix a chair. He famously managed logistics for the Oklahoma City bombing trials, yet declined a national interview with Dan Rather because, in typical Jim fashion, "he didn't think it was a big deal."

Throughout his life, Jim embodied quiet strength, fairness, and an unwavering sense of service. His colleagues at the federal courthouse remember him not only as a brilliant administrator but as a deeply kind and generous man who treated everyone with dignity. He trained, mentored, and inspired generations of court staff and judges, leaving a legacy that still echoes through Colorado's federal court system. He was the recipient of a national award for leadership from the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, but his real reward, he would say, was helping people and making sure things got done right.

Jim was, at his core, a people person. He never met a stranger-at least until the 1990s, when Francine came along and finally claimed his heart. A proud "old Kansas boy" and Eagle Scout, he passed along the lessons of his humble roots to his children with sayings like "Can't never did nothing" and "No one knows what the nose knows-speak beak." He had a knack for wordplay, slipping in gems such as "Out like Lottie's eye" and "You've got to be a tomato to catch up." Somehow, whenever the family car happened to "stall" near a Dairy Queen, everyone knew it meant one thing-hot fudge sundaes, their favorite treat. On road trips, he'd grin and point out, "A train just went by," and when pressed on how he knew, he'd reply, "Well, there are the tracks." Jim may not have invented dad jokes, but his kids are convinced he perfected them.

Fishing was nothing short of religion for Jim, and the Colorado wilderness was his cathedral. Whether out hunting, hauling the neighborhood kids along in the truck, or pulling stranded drivers out of ditches in a snowstorm with his own children in tow ("let's go screeching!"), Jim was always ready to share an adventure.

He loved his mom, his country, his brandy, and above all, his "darlin," Francine. Music filled his life-he treasured the harmonies of the Kingston Trio, The Brothers Four, and the "real country" of the '50s, '60s, and '70s. His humor, loyalty, and deep love for family defined his days and made every gathering brighter.

Jim's absence leaves an immeasurable void, but his impact lives on in the many lives he touched. His family is grateful for the overwhelming outpouring of love and memories from friends and former colleagues across the country. Jim was deeply respected, wholeheartedly loved, and truly one of a kind.

Please honor Jim by sharing a story, lending a hand, or simply helping someone in need-he would've liked that...

"There's a hole in the bucket.."

Roses are red, violets are blue, we love you so much, Dad, and miss you too.