Obituary for James Frank Vessels
Longtime San Luis resident James “Jim” Frank Vessels, 88, died December 17, 2022 in Blanca, Colorado, surrounded by his family.
Jim’s life began in Enid, Oklahoma on September 1, 1934, the son to Leon “Buck” Vessels and Myrtle Harter Vessels. He married the love of his life, Helen Elliott, in Denver, Colorado on January 31, 1960.
Jim managed the Apishapa Land & Cattle Company in the Fowler area for many years, and ran cattle at his ranch in the San Luis area for more than 30 years. He took great pride in his ranch horses, and treated them as if they were family.
Jim loved watching the Denver Broncos play football and in his earlier years, growing up in Hoisington, Kansas, was quite an athlete and set several track records. He also enjoyed watching collegiate football.
Jim is survived by his wife Helen Vessels of San Luis; his children Mike Vessels, Tim (Ruthann) Vessels, and Patti Quackenbush; his grandchildren Colton (Lori) Vessels, Jordan Vessels, and Jace (Alexa) Vessels; his great-granddaughter Endee Sage Vessels; his sister Kay (David) Hancock of Nevada, Texas; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family and friends.
Jim is preceded in death by his son James “Jimmy” Vessels on December 5, 2022, and his great-granddaughter Vivian Rose Vessels on June 18, 2022.
Cremation was chosen and services will be held later at his Ranch in San Luis. Contributions in his memory are suggested to the St. Michaels Association for Special Education, Inc., P.O. Drawer 4769, Window Rock, Navajo Nation, AZ 86515-4769 or to Hospice del Valley, 514 Main Street, Alamosa, CO 81101.
Rogers Family Mortuary of Alamosa is in care of the arrangements. To leave online condolences, remembrances or words of comfort for Jim’s family, please visit www.RogersFunerals.com
Jim’s life began in Enid, Oklahoma on September 1, 1934, the son to Leon “Buck” Vessels and Myrtle Harter Vessels. He married the love of his life, Helen Elliott, in Denver, Colorado on January 31, 1960.
Jim managed the Apishapa Land & Cattle Company in the Fowler area for many years, and ran cattle at his ranch in the San Luis area for more than 30 years. He took great pride in his ranch horses, and treated them as if they were family.
Jim loved watching the Denver Broncos play football and in his earlier years, growing up in Hoisington, Kansas, was quite an athlete and set several track records. He also enjoyed watching collegiate football.
Jim is survived by his wife Helen Vessels of San Luis; his children Mike Vessels, Tim (Ruthann) Vessels, and Patti Quackenbush; his grandchildren Colton (Lori) Vessels, Jordan Vessels, and Jace (Alexa) Vessels; his great-granddaughter Endee Sage Vessels; his sister Kay (David) Hancock of Nevada, Texas; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family and friends.
Jim is preceded in death by his son James “Jimmy” Vessels on December 5, 2022, and his great-granddaughter Vivian Rose Vessels on June 18, 2022.
Cremation was chosen and services will be held later at his Ranch in San Luis. Contributions in his memory are suggested to the St. Michaels Association for Special Education, Inc., P.O. Drawer 4769, Window Rock, Navajo Nation, AZ 86515-4769 or to Hospice del Valley, 514 Main Street, Alamosa, CO 81101.
Rogers Family Mortuary of Alamosa is in care of the arrangements. To leave online condolences, remembrances or words of comfort for Jim’s family, please visit www.RogersFunerals.com