James Bryson Obituary

Jim (James Philip) Bryson passed on peacefully in Durango on September 14, 2017. He was born on January 28, 1935 to Philip & Ila Bryson in Lompoc, CA He spent his childhood in Lompoc where he enjoyed fishing, skin diving and hunting. He was a proud veteran, serving the country he loved so much in the Navy during the Korean War. He graduated summa cum laude from Cal Poly. He married Jeanette Loustalout and had two children, Kim & Phil, to whom he was a very loving, supportive, amazing Dad. He raised his family in Danville, CA where he was a Golf Course Superintendent and a Land Developer. At mid-life, he married Sara Blakeley and made a major career change, going back to school to become a Doctor of Chiropractic, because he became committed to serving and assisting people in living a more healthy and vibrant life. He was an amazing Chiropractor, helping so many.

When he retired 14 years ago, he moved to Durango to be close to his grandchildren and he worked as a caretaker for Durango Office Suites and the Crossroads Building, keeping a watchful eye on the community there. He really loved Durango. Due to complications from COPD, he moved to the Cottonwoods Inn and Rehab Center two years ago. During his time in long term nursing care, the staff of Cottonwoods provided awesome, excellent care as did the Mercy organization and he had huge support from the AA community and many, many wonderful friends.

He was involved in numerous community service organizations and was president of the Danville Rotary Club. He loved to fish outside the Golden Gate Bridge, in Alaska and locally at Vallecito and Electra Lakes. He also scuba dove all over the central and north coast of California. He enjoyed travelling to visit his daughter in Kailua Beach, Hawaii. He was a huge NASCAR fan (Go #48) travelling down to Phoenix Raceway numerous times with his son and grandson. He loved Willie Nelson. He had a great sense of humor and was one of the best storytellers ever, making a lot of people smile and laugh over the years. He was a great, supportive, loving Dad, grandfather and friend who will be very much missed by us all.

He is survived by his daughter Kim in Portland, his son Phil in Durango, his daughter in law Lucy and his grandchildren Lyle & Acacia in Durango and Spencer in NYC.

A Celebration of Life will be held November 4, 2017 at the McPherson Chapel @ Fort Lewis College, 1000 Rim Drive, Durango from 11am - 1pm. All are invited to attend as well as share any stories or experiences to honor and celebrate Jim.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jim's name to Animas High School 20091 US-160, Durango, CO 81301 www.animashighschool.com