William James "Jim" Braiden

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William James "Jim" Braiden, age 90, of La Jara, Colorado, peacefully returned to his Heavenly Father on December 17, 2025, surrounded by love in his home, with his devoted wife, Ann, at his side. Jim was born on January 11, 1935, in Manassa, Colorado, to Raymond and Vida (Christensen) Braiden, and was welcomed into this world by his grandmother, Edith Christensen.

Jim graduated from La Jara High School in 1952. As a young man, he spent his summers in the San Juan Mountains south of the La Jara Reservoir on what was known as the La Jara Lease. There, he cared for cattle belonging to his father and neighboring ranchers and developed a deep, lifelong love for the mountains and the ranching way of life.

In the mid-1950's, Jim earned his bachelor's degree in agriculture from Colorado A&M (now Colorado State University) in Fort Collins, where he graduated Phi Kappa Phi. While there, he was a member of the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity and completed ROTC, which led to his being commissioned as an officer in the United States Navy. Jim served honorably for three and a half years and was honorably discharged having achieved the rank of Lieutenant, Junior Grade.

Soon after returning home, Jim was set up on a date with Carolyn Ann Carbutt, who became the love of his life. They were married on December 29, 1961, beginning a partnership defined by devotion, mutual respect, and unwavering love. Together they raised five children, who were later sealed to them in the Denver Colorado Temple in 1989. Jim and Ann's marriage was a beautiful example of unconditional love and service. They were equal partners through every joy and challenge of life and shared 64 beautiful years together.

Jim returned to his roots as a rancher, raising crops and cattle. He was a proud member of the Colorado and San Luis Valley Cattlemen's Associations and served for a time as president of the SLV Cattlemen's Association. Jim also served for many years as president of the Union Ditch, where he played a key role in protecting local farmers' water rights and preserving precious irrigation resources in the Valley.

A tireless worker, Jim often rose before sunrise and worked long after sunset. He believed deeply in the value of hard work and passed that principle on to his posterity. Yet he was never too busy to lend a hand to someone in need or to attend his children's and grandchildren's activities.

Jim once joked that all he taught his children was a strong work ethic-but in truth, he taught them far more. Through his example, he taught honesty (unless he was teasing-then all bets were off), humility, resilience, and how to find joy and laughter in everyday life. Most of all, he taught them what love looks like by the way he loved their mother.

Jim was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In 2009, he and Ann served a mission at the Martin's Cove Historic Trail site in Wyoming. Jim lived his faith quietly and humbly, leading by example and earning the admiration and love of all who knew him.

His interests were as wide as the Colorado sky and included hunting, sports-especially football, track, and the Olympics-time spent in the mountains, training his beloved cattle dogs, music, reading, and poetry. He especially loved the works of Robert Service, which he often recited from memory for his children and grandchildren.

Jim will be remembered as a loving, generous, and selfless man whose steady presence brought comfort, laughter, and strength to those around him. His gentle teasing, infectious laugh, love of poetry, and unwavering support for his family will be dearly missed. His life stands as a testament to faith, integrity, and enduring love.

Jim is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Ann; his children: Renee (William) Jackson, Russell (Chris) Braiden, Rob (Micah) Braiden, Kathleen (Aaron) Stalker, and Kalleen (Brett) Grounds; and his brother's only child, Shari Smith. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Tevyn Braiden, Sam (Nissa) Jackson, Mykel Braiden (Max Romero), Jazmyn Preyer, Garrett (Este) Braiden, BJ Grounds, Kylie Jackson, Haylee Braiden (Clinton Prince), TiAnna Grounds, Kelaney Stalker, Gavin Braiden, Shiloh (Hailee) Jackson, Dakota Jackson, Kyle Stalker, Daniel Carroll, Madisyn Grounds, Brandon Stalker, Ruston Braiden, AJ Stalker, and Shannon Stalker; along with six great-grandchildren: Kellon Prince, Michelle Jackson, Athena Jackson, Josiah Preyer, Vallori Jackson, and William Prince, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his older brother, Samuel "Sammy" Braiden; and his grandson, Connor Carroll.

As this chapter closes, the family expresses heartfelt gratitude to all who made it possible for Jim to spend his final years in his home surrounded by family. Special thanks to Jazmyn Preyer, Max Romero, and Mykel Braiden, who made significant personal sacrifices and carried much of the daily responsibility for Jim's care with love and devotion; to his children for their time, visits, compassion and constant service; and to the health professionals who supported his care. The family is deeply grateful to friends and family who brought meals, visited, and kept Jim and Ann connected to their community. Special thanks are also extended to Dr. Clint Sowards for his compassion, home visits, guidance, and support of the family during Jim's final days.

There will be a visitation on Tuesday morning, December 30, 2025 from 9:00 to 10:45 followed by the funeral service at 11 a.m. all at the Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in La Jara. He will be laid to final rest in the La Jara Cemetery.

Rogers Family Mortuary is in care of arrangements. To leave online condolences, tributes and words of comfort for Jim's family please visit www.RogersFunerals.com.