Obituary of James R. Holzfaster

James R. Holzfaster, age 62, of Englewood, CO, passed away on September 29, 2023 after a recent diagnosis of Pancreatic Cancer.

He was born in November of 1960 in Lakewood, CO, to the late Virgil Mark Holzfaster and Lois Helen (Bennethum) Holzfaster. He grew up in Lakewood and graduated from Lakewood High School in 1979. He worked in construction for a year before joining the U.S. Navy where he served for 8 years, and was aboard the aircraft carrier the U.S.S. Independence - testing, repairing, and training on airplane electrical systems. After his service, he returned to Lakewood, CO repairing office equipment and copiers while attending Barnes Business College. Following that, he went to work for Denver Public Schools Credit Union (now known as Westerra Credit Union) where he held various roles in Finance and Card Services for 29 years, his final role being Senior Card Services Analyst. His work family can attest to his drive and passion to achieve success, his diligent and committed work ethic, his persistence and determination, and most of all, his genuine and sincere care for people.

In May of 2019 he married his best friend and soul mate Jean Marie Atwood. Together they built an incredible life filled with love, happiness, fun, shared interests, and extended family. He had a servant’s heart and could be counted on to complete challenging projects of all kinds for anyone in need. He was a very hard worker who knew how to build or fix just about anything. He loved any and all home improvement projects - the more challenging the better. He was proficient in electricity, plumbing, construction, fencing, tree-trimming, landscaping, concrete, and building. His hobbies included growing indoor plants, gardening, cooking, legos, and outdoor adventures of hiking, biking, fishing, and playing in the snow.

He was a wonderful husband, father, grand-father, son, brother, uncle, and friend. He was loyal and stedfast in all his relationships. He will be especially remembered by his grandkids for his sense of fun and adventure. Grandpa James was a constant source of teasing (What did you get on your shirt?), gifts of lights of all kinds (flashlights, glow sticks, night lights, string lights, etc.), annual Pumpkin Parties in October providing pumpkins grown in the backyard pumpkin patch for carving, water fights, BBQ’s, campfires, s'mores and never- ending Group Hugs.

He is survived by his wife, Jean Marie Atwood. Children Joshua (Caitlin) Holzfaster, Tara Winterbottom (Paul Martinez). Stepsons Christopher O’Hayre and Travis Blubaugh. Grandchildren Avlynn Holzfaster, Mason Holzfaster, Eisley Holzfaster, Payten Winterbottom, Connor Martinez, Kendra O’Hayre, Ryker O’Hayre, Colton Blubaugh, Everly Blubaugh, and great grand-daughter Yoatzi O’Hayre. His siblings Linda Rosenberg (Jim Roberts), Cheryl (Lynn) Griffin, Thomas Holzfaster, Lisa Holzfaster, and Paula Kimball.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to those who provided his final loving care:

Stone Creek of Littleton c/o Staff Appreciation

7800 S. Windermere St., Littleton, CO 80120

 

A Celebration of James' Life will be held on Saturday, November 4th , 2023, at 12:00.

Riverwalk Clubhouse

2751 W. Riverwalk Circle

Littleton, CO 80123

This will be a casual celebration and children are welcome!