James Blandin
James Gerald Blandin, 94, of Colorado, passed away on July 16, 2025, while being lovingly cared for by his son Daren and daughter-in-law Ruth Blandin in Berlin, Massachusetts. He was born on April 5, 1931, in Eaton, Colorado.
James, known as Jim to most, was the eldest of four children born to Gerald and Louise (Stow) Blandin. After graduating from Greeley Central High School, he married his high school sweetheart, Shirley Jean Forbes, on November 19, 1950. They were married for 72 wonderful years before Shirley’s passing on March 31, 2023.
Jim earned his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Colorado A&M (now Colorado State University) in Fort Collins in 1955. Shortly after graduating, AT&T hired Jim, which brought the couple to the East Coast, where they spent much of their adult lives. Jim and Shirley raised their three children across the Northeast, making homes in Massachusetts, New York, Wisconsin, and New Jersey. Following his retirement in 1986, Jim and Shirley returned to their home state of Colorado, settling in Highlands Ranch for their golden years.
Jim had a passion for gardening, especially roses. He cultivated flowers and vegetables at every home they lived in and took pride in his rose garden. He even created and maintained a rose garden at their church in Highlands Ranch, which continues to bloom and bring joy to others. Photography was another of Jim’s lifelong interests. In his younger years, he built his own darkroom in his parents’ basement and even did a bit of wedding photography. He documented countless family events with photos and home movies, leaving behind a rich visual history.
Jim was deeply rooted in his Christian faith and developed many lasting friendships through his various church communities over the years. He attended South Suburban Christian Church in Littleton, Colorado, until he and Shirley moved into an independent living facility in Aurora. After Shirley’s passing, Jim relocated to Massachusetts to live with Daren and Ruth. He spent his final two years surrounded by love and compassion, cared for by family and devoted caregivers from a local home hospice organization. Jim passed away peacefully at home, with loved ones at his side, including his daughter RoxAnne, who joined via “Grandpa Cam” from Colorado.
We take comfort in knowing that Jim is now healed in heaven, reunited with Shirley, their daughter Terri, and many beloved friends and family. His quick wit, warm smile, and endearing quips brought joy to everyone he met. He completed his earthly journey with grace and leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter.
Jim was predeceased by his beloved wife, Shirley; his daughter, Teryl “Terri” (Blandin) Brenneman, who passed away in 1982; his parents, Gerald and Louise Blandin; his siblings, Nancy McAboy, Joanne Fletcher, and Ernie Blandin.
He is survived by his daughter, RoxAnne (David) Zulauf of Hudson, Colorado; his son, Daren (Ruth) Blandin of Berlin, Massachusetts; his grandchildren: Hayden Amato of Hudson, Colorado; Amanda (Stephen) Amato of Lakewood, CO; Victoria Wagner of Berlin, Massachusetts; Connor Blandin of Livonia, Michigan; and Katherine Blandin of Waco, Texas; his great grandchildren: Mila Wagner and Stiles Vigil along with many cherished nieces and nephews.
A memorial service to celebrate the life of James Gerald Blandin will be held on Monday, July 28th at 2:00 p.m. at South Suburban Christian Church in Littleton, Colorado, officiated by Pastor Keith Smith.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to The Gideons International, in honor of Jim’s lifelong passion for placing Bibles in the hands of others and sharing the message of Christ. Jim believed deeply in the power of Scripture and supported the Gideons’ mission throughout his life.
Donations can be made online at www.gideons.org or by mail to The Gideons International, P.O. Box 140800, Nashville, TN 37214.