Jim Rase

Obituary of Jim Rasé
James William Rasé, 76, of Greeley, CO. passed away Friday, July 1, 2023 at his home with his wife by his side. Jim was born on August 9, 1946 in McComb, Miss. He lived in Oklahoma before moving with his family to Denver, CO. when he was four years old. He graduated from George Washington High School in 1964. He attended Colorado College and graduated in 1968 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Fine Arts. On June 5, 1994 Jim married Judith France, a registered nurse in Denver. Jim held a variety of jobs over the years but what he was mostly known for was his varied artwork. While his work was often abstract, he also painted in a primitive fashion reminiscent of Native American artwork and petroglyphs from the walls of canyons and mesas. He also experimented with all kinds of materials, from graceful sculptures in fine marble and gemstones to wadded newspapers and painted surgical gauze. A piece like this won an award in the mid1970's and was displayed in an art show at the Denver Art Museum with 100 newly recognized local artists' works. He also explored various surfaces like large walls which he covered with painted murals. Jim helped found the Alternative Arts Alliance in Denver. He applied for the Conscientious Objector status during the Vietnam War and it was approved by the government which was a rare occurrence at the time. Jim believed in peace at any price.
As a footnote, there was never a spectator sport that Jim would miss and there was never a watch he couldn't take apart and repair!
The love of Jim's life, however, was his wife, Judy Rasé and his daughter, Viva Jeanne Rasé, his survivors. Viva resides in SLC, Utah where she is in a PhD program at the University of Utah studying immunology. Jim was very proud of Viva's scientific accomplishments.
Jim is also survived by his sister, Catherine Eiswerth and her husband, Gene, of Evergreen, CO. and his sister, Jeanette Rasé of Austin, Texas, and many beloved nieces, nephews, and great nieces and a great nephew. His brother, Hank Rasé Jr. predeceased Jim in 1985.
A private family service will be held at a later date.
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