James E. Guthrie

James "Jim" Edward Guthrie, a devoted husband, father, and proud veteran of the United States Air Force, passed away peacefully on February 14, 2026, following a courageous health battle diagnosed in late 2025. He was 75 years old.

Early Life and Military Service

Born in Long Beach, California, to William Guthrie and Pauline May Leetz, Jim was a 1968 graduate of Carson High School. He began his professional life at Todd Shipyards in San Pedro before answering the call to service. Choosing to enlist in the United States Air Force in May 1971, Jim served with distinction as an aircraft mechanic during the Vietnam War. Upon his honorable discharge, he returned to Todd Shipyards, where he applied his technical expertise as a marine electrician.

A Life of Enterprise

In August 1975, Jim married the love of his life, Val Jean Marie Kuz, at All Saints Episcopal Church. Together, they built a life defined by adventure and reinvention. In 1984, Jim moved his family to Vashon Island, Washington, to pursue a career in finance. After earning his Series 7 license, he moved his family to Denver, Colorado, where he rose through the ranks of the brokerage industry to eventually become a principal of his own firm. As a principal, he gave back to the industry by teaching up and coming stock brokers as well as writing several versions of the testing materials used at the time.

Jim later shifted his focus to the logistics industry. He founded a successful transportation LLC, managing a fleet of over eight long haul trucks. In his later years, he remained a fixture in the South Denver and Douglas County communities, operating a dump truck under the name "Take a Dump.com" and contributing to the foundational growth of the Castle Rock area.

Heritage and Hobbies

A proud Scotsman, Jim spent over a decade traveling to Scottish Festivals across the Southwest. It was at these events that he deepened his connection to the Guthrie clan, forming lifelong friendships and discovering previously unknown branches of his family tree.

In retirement, Jim returned to his passion for bowling, serving as a league president and competing year-round. He was an avid fisherman and found his greatest joy in the simple pleasures of life: a good cigar shared with his sons, a "Mom and Pop" restaurant discovered on the road, and spiritual study with friends across the globe. Though not traditionally religious, Jim possessed a deep, personal spirituality that guided him throughout his life.

Family and Legacy

Jim is survived by his beloved wife Val of 50 years; his sons, Jameson and Aaron and his five cherished grandchildren, Allison, Logan, Elric, Tobias, and Lukas.

Memorial Contributions

In honor of Jim's respect for those who served, the family requests that donations be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, an organization that held a special place in his heart.