James Edward Villa

Sunrise: December 3rd, 1930
Sunset: December 6th, 2021
James "Jim" Edward Villa was born December 3rd, 1930 in Trinidad, Colorado to Theresa Bianco-Villa and Tony Caransa Villa, an immigrant from San Georgio, Italy. In 1935, Jim and his family moved from Starkville to Tioga, Colorado, a small coal mining community near Walsenburg. Jim attended 1st through 8th grade in Tioga growing up as a, "coal camp kid" and later graduated from St. Mary's High School in Walsenburg in 1948.
Following high school, Jim embarked on, what he considered to be, the most interesting part of his life experience. Jim served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War from March of 1951 to March of 1955. He was a Gunner's Mate 3rd Class aboard the LST 1123; later named, "The Sedgwick" after Sedgwick County, Colorado. During his time of service to our country, Jim had the opportunity to visit many places including most of Japan as well as meet many people from different cultures and backgrounds. Jim was proud of his combat veteran status and frequently shared stories of his combat experiences with those close to him.
Upon returning home from the Navy, Jim married his wife of 62 years Arlene LaVern Panicco-Villa on February 7th, 1959. Jim worked for Leone Construction from 1955 until 1986. He also worked for ARCO from 1980 to 1986 and then for Walsenburg Sand and Gravel, until he retired in 1993. For all of these companies, Jim took pride in being a "grease monkey", who was responsible for maintaining all of the heavy machinery which helped build numerous roads and highways throughout the state of Colorado. In retirement, Jim and his wife continued to stay busy keeping up their rental properties in the city of Walsenburg and traveling frequently, especially to Cripple Creek to gamble with their friends.
On December 3rd, 2021, Jim was honored for two significant accomplishments. It was not only his 91st birthday, but he was also given tribute as a Korean War Veteran in a program organized by Mt. Rose Hospice and Palliative Care. Gene Harrison, a retired Army Veteran came to the ceremony in full uniform and led friends and family in the Pledge of Allegiance. It is because of veterans such as Mr. Villa that we enjoy the many freedoms we have today. During this tribute, Jim offered two pieces of advice that have guided him in his long life of service and giving: "Treat others the way you would like to be treated" and "You get out of life what you put into it". Excellent advice from a fine man who has always proudly claimed Huerfano County as his home.
Jim is predeceased by his parents, Tony Caransa Villa and Theresa Bianco-Villa, sisters and brothers-in-law; Marie (Pete) Pavlick and Charlotte (John) Angelo.
Jim is survived by his wife, Arlene LaVern Panicco-Villa, nephews; Gerald and Peter Pavlick, Michael and Jim Angelo, cousins; Hugh Wilson, Marilyn VanMatre and James Ozello, special friends; Mario and Rosalie Amide, Bob and Louise Stephanie, Jerriann and Andrew Vigil, and Sister Carol Tlach.
Jim was a devoted husband, uncle, brother, friend and self-taught comedian. He will be missed dearly, and will live on in our hearts, memories and stolen jokes forever. A grave-side service and mausoleum internment will be held at 1 p.m., Friday, December 17th at the Trinidad Catholic Cemetery, 2366 E. Main Street, Trinidad, Colorado. Arrangements made by Boies Ortega Funeral Home.