James Dale Jennings

On January 18, 2024, James Dale Jennings of Montrose, Colorado passed away at the age of 86 after a long illness.

Jim was born to Harry and Anna Jennings in Weston, Colorado on October 2, 1937.  His childhood years were spent in Missouri after his family returned there shortly after his birth.

He returned to Colorado when he joined the US Army at age 17, where he served from 1954 to 1958.  There he married Rose Marie DeSalvo, deceased.  He is survived by three children born to this marriage, James Jennings Jr.  and wife Jodi, Chelle McDaniel, and D’Anne Rockwell.

In 1971 he married Cheryl, his wife for 53 years.  He is survived by his wife Cheryl and their three children, Genia Jennings and husband Steve Roddy, Tanya Vecchiarelli and husband Tony, Ted Jennings and his wife Lisa.  Many grandchildren and great grandchildren were his pride and joy though out his life.  Great family memories were created with trips to Hawaii, Disney World, and trips to the mountain cabin.

Sears was where he worked for 35 years.  He would tell you that the best thing about his career with Sears was the friendships that were developed.  It was not all work and no play as Jim loved the game of golf, found time to do some fishing, served as an elder for the Green Valley Presbyterian church in Arizona where he and Cheryl lived in retirement for over 15 years.

Jim was always ready to travel.  Especially enjoyable to him were the trips with Cheryl’s sister Vicki and her husband Clayton.

There was an “open door” policy at the Jennings home.  Whether it was family or a friend, many found they were welcome to come and stay a day, a month or until they were able to move on.

Not afraid to tackle anything, he managed to build our mountain cabin in Colorado, and the home of his and Cheryl’s dreams in Southern Arizona.

Jim’s friends and family have described his character with these words.  Such a kind and compassionate soul, one of the GREAT ONES, such a talented man, a very special person, hardworking, one of the best, a wonderfully contagious smile, incredible work ethic.  And lastly “We were all blessed for having him in our lives”.

Family, friends, and others whose lives Jim touched are invited to the Bridges Country Club, Montrose, Co. at 2pm on Sunday May 5^th to celebrate Jim’s life.

Contributions can be made to:  Nurse’s Memory Care Education Fund, Gunnison Valley Health Foundation, 711 N. Taylor St., Gunnison, CO., 81230      (In memory of James D. Jennings)