Philip Joseph James was born August 1, 1938 in Fort Worth, Texas and died of cancer on November 10, 2018 in his longtime home of Fort Collins, Colorado.

After graduating from the University of Kansas, he earned a Masters of Business Administration from Stanford University in 1962.

James was co-founder of United Agri Products, which became the leading distributor of agricultural chemical products in the United States. After selling UAP to ConAgra Foods, James continued to manage UAP while leading ConAgra's drive to run their operations in a sustainable manner until his retirement in 2005.

Phil volunteered for The Nature Conservancy for more than thirty years. He was on the founding board of trustees of TNC's Nebraska chapter, served almost twenty years on the Colorado chapter board, twice as the chapter chair, and over ten years on the Alaska chapter board. He also served nearly ten years on TNC's National Board of Governors. During that time, he co-chaired a five-year, $1 billion fundraising campaign to help preserve 200 of the planet's "Last Great Places," the largest fundraising effort in the history of private conservation.

James served eight years as a Colorado Wildlife Commissioner and also served on the Great Outdoor Colorado (GOCO) Board.

James' long involvement with TNC began in the late 1970s in Nebraska, where he was instrumental in creating the 56,000-acre Niobara Valley Preserve, now recognized as one of the premier nature reserves on the Great Plains. In Colorado, he joined two other landowners in donating a 4,000-acre conservation easement adjacent to the Phantom Canyon Preserve in the Laramie Foothills.

An avid hunter, fisherman and outdoor enthusiast, James is survived by his wife of 36 years, Susan; five children, Kathleen James of Manchester Center, VT, Elizabeth James of Longmont, CO, Melinda Day of Winter Park, FL, Kathryn Trumble and Ryan James of Fort Collins, CO; eight grandchildren (Bailey and Bridget Ring; Lily Stewart; Cooper, Tucker and Vivian Day; and Delia and JP James); brother Donald James of Prairie Village, KS; and Rocky, his black Lab.

In lieu of gifts, please consider making a donation in honor of Phil to The Nature Conservancy. Please include a note indicating which state chapter you would like your contribution to support: Colorado, Nebraska or Alaska. Send to: Rebekah Cardonsky, The Nature Conservancy, 5398 Manhattan Circle, Boulder, CO 80303 (720-974-7044).

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Manchester Journal from Nov. 23 to Dec. 14, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Philip James

Sponsored by Allnutt Funeral Service – Drake Road Chapel.

11 Entries

Alex G

January 19, 2019

Please accept my sincere condolences for the loss of your loved one. May the loving God of all comfort and promised hope strengthen you during this difficult time. 1 Thessalonians 4:14 (JW)

December 16, 2018

To Philip's family and friends, my sincerest condolences go out to you all.

a loved one

Sent Flowers

November 27, 2018

I send my sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mr. James. May the promise found at John 6:40 bring comfort during this difficult time.

November 26, 2018

To the family and friends of Mr. James, my heartfelt sympathies go out to you during this difficult time. I hope that the words at 2 Thessalonians 2:16,17 can bring you strength and comfort. And may your precious memories of your dear loved one fill your heart with love, peace and comfort today, tomorrow and always.

November 26, 2018

Those who pass on God Keeps in his memory because he cares for them. Sorry for your loss.

Earnie Ray

November 25, 2018

My deepest sympathy to your family . May you keep in mind the hope of life everlasting which can help sustain you through this difficult time . John 17:3

November 25, 2018

Susan and family,

Conservation, wildlife and land protection brought us together more than twenty five years ago with Great Outdoors Colorado and The Nature Conservancy. Phil's thoughtfulness and determination were impressive in his service to our state and our world. Allan and I will miss Phil and we will think of you as we drive up the Poudre through Rustic. Peace be with you during this difficult time.
Respectfully,
Susan and Allan Kirkpatrick

Mary & Joe Solomon

November 20, 2018

Dear Susan and Family,

Joe and I are very sorry for your loss. We want to express our sincerest sympathy for your loss.

Phil always greeted me with interest, kindness and a contagious smile.

Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts during this difficult time.

Jay Witlen

November 19, 2018

Dear Susan and family,

It was very sad for us yesterday when we learned that Phil had passed away. He was one of our very first friends and wonderful customer at An American Bistro at Cafe Columbine. I will never forget the first night I met Phil, the long conversations about food, FC, Nebraska family it seemed we talked forever.
Over the years you both became very important to Jacki and I in all our restaurants. We loved to hear his stories, he always had one! He did so many wonderful things for so many people.

When Katie started to work with us we learned even more about Phil. He was always a welcome part of the evening. We loved following his adventures in Alaska - the fishing trips, listening to his stories of re-introductions of the lynx into the wild. We also loved following your travels to Grand Caymans.

We laughed when we knew he was coming into the restaurant, and no matter who was sitting on "Table 9" they got moved by Jacki! The kitchen always knew he was there and they were also respectful of his knowledge and tastes, and of course over the years we loved to spend time at the table to just catch up.

Susan you are blessed with wonderful children who surround you and will be with you to help you through this sad time. We knew Phil was always happiest and so proud talking about his children, their achievements, their families and most important was his love for you, Susan.

We know there is a new star watching over all of you now, he will always be in all our hearts and memories and he leaves behind a wonderful life filled with love and joy. So from afar we send our love to you all. We wish you peace in knowing Phil will be remembered by all the people he touched in his life.

With fond memories and good wishes to you all.
Jacki and Jay Witlen
jays bistro

November 17, 2018

Please accept my deepest and heartfelt condolences at this time of your loss. May the God who "binds up the brokenhearted" and "comforts all who mourn" sustain your family during this difficult time. Isaiah 61:1, 2

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