James Nathan Black, Jr.

Nathan Black

James Nathan Black Jr., 82, of Montrose, Colorado passed away on Sunday, October 15, 2023.

Nathan was born January 16, 1941, to James Nathan Black, Sr. and Hattie Mae Hobbs Black in Durango, Colorado. He graduated from Montrose High School in 1959. Nate married Mary Adele Braithwaite on April 16, 1966.

Following high school, Nate attended Mesa College until he reported for infantry training at Fort Ord, California in 1961. He would subsequently serve on active duty with the United States Army special forces for three years and three additional years in the Army Reserve. After being honorably discharged, Nate got a job at Ideal Food Market where he met Mary Braithwaite whom he would be married to for 57 years.

To support his young family Nate took a job as a rural route carrier with the United States Postal Service. He would work his way up to be postal supervisor in Montrose and temporarily served as acting postmaster in Clifton, eventually retiring in the early 2000s. During his long career with the Post Office, Nate also worked with the team that implemented the nine-digit zip code.

A lifelong member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (B.P.O.E. 1053), Nathan was very active in the lodge, coordinating various events such as annual East Egg Hunts, Mother’s Day Brunches, and Christmas/New Year’s celebrations as well as serving on scholarship committees. Working his way through the officer positions, Nathan eventually served as Exalted Ruler in his local lodge (1995-1996). He continued to participate in lodge activities like organizing an annual Flag Ceremony, until his death.

Devoted to his children and grandchildren, Nate volunteered as Little League, Pigtail League, and Babe Ruth assistant coach, assistant Scout Master, and though not an avid swimmer himself, his weekends were spent ferrying children to swim meets and working as a stoke judge in local meets. He enjoyed exploring, camping, jeeping, and hunting in the San Juan Mountains and along the Uncompahgre Plateau.

Nathan’s greatest passion was his family. A loving husband, father, and grandfather, Nate was preceded in death by his wife Mary Adele Braithwaite Black, his grandson, Robert Black and his brother Jack Black. Nate is survived by his sons Thane Black and Chad Black, wife Georgette; his daughter Dawn Black, husband Clark; four of his five grandchildren: Chad Black, Tasha Black, Emma Black, and Eugene Black and two step grandchildren: Dustin Stroud and Cordell Stroud; seven great grandchildren; three brothers: LeRoy Black, Charles Black, and Glen Black; and his lovely sister (Sissy), Marie Black.

A Memorial Service will be held Friday October 20^th at 2:00 pm at the Montrose Elk’s Lodge, 801 S. Hillcrest Dr., Montrose, Co. A private ceremony for family members followed by his burial will be held in Cedar Creek Cemetery on Monday, 23 October.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Nathan’s name to Hope West at https://www.hopewestco.org/memorial-gifts/ who provided such loving care to his beloved wife. Crippin Funeral Home of Montrose assisting the family. (970) 249-2121