James M. Soltis

JAMES M. SOLTIS James ("Jim") M. Soltis was born in Pryor, Colorado, on March 16, 1943. He spent his early years in Walsen Camp before moving to Walsenburg, Colorado. He was a 1961 graduate of St. Mary's High School and lived and worked in Walsenburg. He was an active member of St. Mary's church, working at the rectory and serving on the school board. During his time, he worked to improve the city, including recruiting physicians, Dr. Arthur Vialpando, and Dr. Solomon Villalon, and raising funds for a hospital. He went on to serve as the Executive Director of the Council of Governments in Trinidad, Colorado, (1979-1996), before taking the position of City Manager for Trinidad in 1996 until he retired in 2014. Jim was a Vietnam Veteran, achieving the rank of Sergeant; a member of the Elks, serving as exalted ruler; the Knights of Columbus; and Veterans of Foreign Wars. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Susie Soltis; sisters, Clara Jean (Ritz) Summers, and Donna Soltis; uncle, Pete Ritz; and his first wife and mother of their children, Bonnie Soltis. He is survived by daughters: Brigette (Soltis), Vaughan (David), and Shawna Soltis (Kevin Zink); wife, Kathy Soltis (Tim Guenthard and Christine Shew); sister, Pat (Soltis) Eccher (Fred); his nieces, and great-nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 24th at 10 am at St. Mary Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church (121 E 7th St.). Interment will follow at the South St. Mary Cemetery (E. Chico Hill). Honorary pallbearers are Fred Eccher, David Vaughan, Kevin Zink, and Tim Guenthard. A memorial luncheon will be held at the Fraternal Order of Eagles Hall (614 Main St.). In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to: VFW Post #5812 127 E. Spaulding Ave. Pueblo West, CO 81007