James "Jim" Craig Malone was born on February 8, 1962, the seventh child born to Park and Virginia (Pelle) Malone. Jim attended St. Charles Academy and graduated from Stratton High School in 1980.
Jim worked for several farmers in the Stratton area and Kit Carson County Road and Bridge before he attended line school in Grand Junction. His career as a lineman found him working for contractors that traveled to build power line and living in a camper on the road. Jim traveled to Louisiana after hurricane Katrina and worked many ice storms. His biggest accomplishment as a lineman was maintaining power lines working out of a helicopter.
Jim lived his life by his own rules – often times giving his parents a run for their money! When Ken was to receive his diploma from Northeastern Junior College, the two of them switched places and Jim walked through the commencement ceremony. When the Dean handing out diplomas questioned his appearance, he rattled off the important details and was hesitantly given the diploma in place of his brother Ken. Jim had a love for motorcycles from an early age, starting with dirt bikes and ending with Harley Davidson street bikes. Jim attended many rallies from Daytona to Sturgis. He enjoyed riding with his brother Don – most recently meeting in Sterling for a short conversation over lunch which consisted of a can of Mountain Dew. Jim loved the outdoors and the many activities that it provided. He was an avid hunter of all things – pheasant, antelope, deer, elk, and bear. He also enjoyed fishing and riding ATVs in the mountains with family and friends. While Jim appreciated all things fast and outdoors, he also had a huge heart. He visited his sister Bev regularly, always made sure his mom had a nice Christmas gift, and would show up to help without hesitation. His love and dedication for his family will be missed.
Jim reconnected with a childhood family friend, Cindy (Fox) Folsom and they chose to share their lives in Evans, Colorado. Jim and Cindy went on many adventures, recently visiting Jackson Hole, Wyoming where they had a great time. Jim loved Cindy’s kids and grandkids like his own. His eyes lit up when he spoke about Tony (Xavier) and Tweetie (Violet).
Jim went to his eternal home on Sunday, August 1, 2021, in Wichita, KS due to injuries sustained in an ATV accident on July 17. He is preceded in death by his parents Park and Virginia Malone, siblings Mark, Ken, and Beverly (Doddridge), grandparents Hank and Catherine Pelle and William and Edith Malone, sister-in-law Paula Malone and niece Angela Malone. He is survived by Cindy and her children Chelsey and Josh, grandchildren Tony and Tweetie; brothers Jack, Don (Joyce), Russ (Dareline), and Rob; sister Trudi (Doug) Schiel and brother-in-law Glen Doddridge along with numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.
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