Colombia RPCV Jim Gregory dies in Louisville - was 16th volunteer selected in 1961
GREGORY, James Edward "Jim," 64, of Louisville, died Feb. 14, at Avista Hospital in Louisville. Memorial services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20, 2004, at the Howe Mortuary Chapel. A cremation has been entrusted to the Howe Mortuary and Crematory. Contributions may be sent to Bands for Lands, P.O. Box 4488, Boulder 80306.
Sept. 16, 1939 - Feb. 14, 2004
James Edward "Jim" Gregory passed away Saturday, Feb. 14, 2004, at Avista Hospital. He was 64.
Jim, as many called him, was born in Longmont, Sept. 16, 1939, to Virgil Littleton Gregory and Helen Elizabeth Lathrop-Gregory.
He graduated from Longmont High School in 1957, where he was active in Future Farmers of America and Forensics. He attended the University of Colorado, Wichita State University and the University of Maryland.
In 1961 he was the first person from Colorado and 16th nationally to be selected to the newly formed U.S. Peace Corps under the Kennedy Administration. He completed his training at Rutgers and served in Colombia, South America, until 1964. Upon his return Jim worked as a recruiter for the Peace Corps.
On May 31, 1969, Jim married Julia Caroline Frauenfelder in Longmont.
Jim was active in his community since high school and carried on his active commitment at the local, state, national and international level until his death.
He was a photographer and reporter for the Daily Times-Call and a Longmont police officer.
He was a member of the Longmont Jaycees, receiving the Harvey Bender Award - for Outstanding Young Man of the Year - in 1976. In addition, he was a member of St. Vrain Historical Society and Mensa, and was instrumental in bringing high school soccer to the St. Vrain Valley. He coached and refereed soccer for 15 years.
Jim mastered many arts and trades. He was an exceptional musician - guitarist, piano player and singer/song writer - a phenomenal carpenter and handyman. He loved to camp and hike and be outdoors. He could be seen staring up at the night sky for hours or just watching the sunset.
He was a scholar and a teacher in many facets. He taught in the academic world, but many knew Jim to be a walking library possessing a vast knowledge on all subjects and could be relied on to settle bets and win Trivial Pursuit.
He was full of charisma, confidence and compassion. He was devoted to his family, and sacrificed everything for his children. He took an immense interest and desire in their lives. He was loved for his vivid imagination and gifts of story telling.
He will be remembered for his ongoing dedication to the causes of social justice and the correction of political and corporate evils. One of his main causes was the plight of the Dineh Navaho in Big Mountain, Ariz. He was a staunch conservationist and his amazing ability of articulation and compelling written compilations and fiery passion of worldly affairs will be greatly missed.
His parents precede him in death.
He is survived by his wife Julia, son Jeremy Scott Gregory, a daughter Megan Elizabeth Gregory, granddaughter Gabrielle and her father Robert Campbell, his sister Mary Gregory, and a niece Amy Mann and her son Jacob, all residing in Boulder County.
Memorial services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20, at the Howe Mortuary Chapel. A cremation has been entrusted to the Howe Mortuary and Crematory.
His pure and beautiful worldview, ideologies and philosophies were infectious and will be remembered by so many who he touched.
Contributions may be sent to Bands for Lands - a musical/environmental nonprofit he helped to incorporate in 1996 - P.O. Box 4488, Boulder, CO 80306.
