June 14, 1953 – October 24, 2025
A friend of many from the 1970s Carbondale days, Jim Doenges passed away on Oct. 24 in the home he was raised in in Colorado Springs. Jim was exemplary in his strength of character and courage as he worked with an aggressive pancreatic cancer the past 12 months. Jim was born in the Springs on June 14, 1953 and came to this valley as a photography student at Colorado Mountain College’s Spring Valley campus in 1971. The lanky man was unmistakable at 6-foot-4 with, in the day, very big hair. His personality extended to his signature two-tone 1949 Chevy truck.
Settling in Carbondale, Jim’s old miner’s house on 3rd Street was the social hub for many of his peers and he hosted many a newcomer, helping them get oriented to the Valley. Jim was known for his easy going disposition, generous soul and quirky, fun sense of humor. Always the artist, Jim maintained this passion to his final days.
He worked for the Carbondale Water District. Later as a volunteer fireman he ascended to the rank of fire chief for a short time in the late ‘70s. It was with a heavy heart that Jim left the valley he loved to return to Colorado Springs in the early 1980s. Through his art and a thirst for knowledge Jim always stayed connected to academia, working in art at Pikes Peak Community College.
Jim will always be remembered for his kindness and heart and will not be forgotten by his friends in the Crystal Valley. Rest in the peace of the colorful palette of a Carbondale sunset, old friend.