Obituary of Edwin Quigley

The world is a little less bright with the passing of E. James (Jim) Quigley on April 22, 2015. Jim was born May 10, 1929 to Lila (Bailey) and Edwin J. Quigley in Duluth MN. During his youth, Jim was a talented vocalist and musician. He won a Stars of Tomorrow contest, sang on stage with Burl Ives and was invited to travel with the Arthur Godfrey Talent Show. Despite his growing success as a performer, he chose to pursue his Bachelor’s degree in musical education at the University of Minnesota, Duluth. Jim was proud of the fact he was able to completely finance his undergraduate education from money earned doing musical performances and singing in his dance band. Although he loved teaching music at a middle school in Eau Claire, Wisconsin he decided to go back to school to complete a Masters Degree in Counseling at the University of Colorado. While in school and after completion of his degree, he was employed by CU and quickly climbed the ranks in administration, culminating in the position of Dean for Student Affairs. At age 49 Jim left CU to obtain his Doctorate in education from the University of Northern Colorado after which he joined Affiliated Bankshares (Chase) as CEO & President of First Colorado Bankshares Insurance Company as well as Executive Vice President. In honor of St. Patrick’s Day and (more likely) so he wouldn’t forget his anniversary; Jim and Jolene were married March 17, 1979. They maintained a loving and caring marriage for over 36 years and up until his final moments Jim always expressed that he had “the most wonderful wife in the world”. Jim loved life, but especially enjoyed his and Jolene’s annual trips to Mexico, musical theatre, CU football and watching the Lawrence Welk show. He was an avid racquetball player, enjoyed water skiing and boating as well as camping and fishing. Wherever Jim went he made people smile with his antidotes and humor. One of Jim’s greatest legacies was that he raised and nurtured three separate generations of children. He lovingly brought up James, Sherry and Susan during his first marriage. Later he and Jolene raised daughter, Jennifer. In 1994 Jim took an early retirement to raise his grandchildren, Katie and Sam, after the untimely deaths of their parents James and Virginia. Jim is survived by his loving wife Jolene. He is also survived by daughters Jennifer Torrez (Damian) and Sherry Island , his seven grandchildren Katie Baghel (Ranjan), Sam Quigley (Erin), Garrett Neergaard (Jennifer), Hayley Black (Brian), and Jordan, Nathan, Gabriel and Cruz Torrez as well as great grandson Vihaan Baghel. His parents, and children James and Susan preceded him in death. A memorial service and celebration of Jim’s life are scheduled for Sunday, May 3rd, 1:30 to 4:00 p.m. at the Lionsgate Events Center, 1055 S. 112 in Lafayette. Contributions in his honor can be made to Tru Community Care, 2594 Trailridge Drive East, Lafayette, CO 80026 or through the CU Foundation to the CU Cancer Center, 0254249 in memory of E. James Quigley, www.cufund.org or send a gift to University of Colorado Foundation, PO Box 17126, Denver, CO 80217-9155. As Jim often said, “Things are never so bad they can’t get worse. BUT, they are never, ever, ever so good they can’t get better.” He left this earth a better place. His smile, wisdom, humor and positive attitude will be missed by all whose life he touched.