Lifetime Valley resident James Orson DePriest, 68, died July 19, 2023 at the Centura Penrose Hospital in Colorado Springs, CO with family by his side.

James' life began in Alamosa, Colorado on October 23, 1954, the fifth son to Louis E. DePriest and Pearl L. Stafford DePriest. James married the love of his life Cindy Sowards in Conejos on January 12, 1979 and they enjoyed 44 years together.

James owned and operated DePriest Auto Sales for more than 25 years in Manassa, Colorado. James loved his children and family dearly and was very proud of all of them. When James was involved you were guaranteed a great time. Some of his favorite sayings were, "mucho poquito" and "shit happens." James was a dedicated hard worker. He taught his family how to work hard, have fun and keep their heads held high. James loved cars, and enjoyed cruising and listening to oldies. If there was a car show happening, it was a family event. He also enjoyed corn hole, horse shoes and racing with the grand kids. He even took the time to teach his grand kids how to drive his manual mustang. He was quite the jokester, loved a good laugh, and many family members and friends fell victim to his shenanigans.

He was super proud of the work he did. He always put in a 110% making sure things were done correctly. James was the best bodyman around. He had award winning paint jobs along with his personality. His family always helped with sanding projects, that turned into water fights.

James is survived by his wife Cindy DePriest of Manassa, CO; his children Shannon DePriest of Manassa, CO, Michelle (Marvin) Paraday-Bibeau of Grand Junction, CO, Lori (Josh Gonzales) DePriest of Manassa, CO, and Billy (Brittany Maestas) DePriest of Manassa, CO; his siblings Tom (Erica) DePriest of Manassa, Liz Ogden of California, Darrell (Mary) DePriest of New Mexico, Hilda (Rich) Lindberg of Idaho, Dennis (Rose) DePriest of New Mexico, and Eddie (Gloria) DePriest of New Mexico; his grandchildren Lexi Dunnahoo, Kylie Dunnahoo, Sammy Hawkins, Katie Hawkins, Devin Paraday- Bibeau, Braiden Paraday-Bibeau, David Lujan, Jaelin Lujan, Rylie Gonzales, Jayce Maestas, Jordan Maestas, and Tatum DePriest; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.

James is preceded in death by his parents, and his older brother who died as an infant, Eugene L. DePriest.

Cremation was chosen and a Celebration of Life will be held 10:00 a.m. Monday, July 24, 2023 at the Rogers Family Mortuary, 205 N. 3rd Street, in Manassa. Please dress casually.

Rogers Family Mortuary is in care of the arrangements. To leave online condolences, tributes, and words of comfort for James' family, please visit www.RogersFunerals.com