James William DeBerge

June 14, 1947 – Oct. 22, 2021

MEEKER, CO - James William DeBerge died peacefully after a short illness on October 22, 2021.

He was the proud father of two sons Joshua (T'Lisa) ) and Caleb and the cherished grandfather of four.

Born in 1947 on Flag Day in Kenosha, WI, he was the dear son of the late Joseph and Sophia DeBerge; and the brother of: Peter, John, David, Mary Krevans and the late Joanne Costigan. He was a resident of Colorado for most of his adult life.

Jim, also known as "Big Jim" loved his family, life, his country and the mountains. He served in the U.S. Army, including a Tour of Duty in Vietnam, served as a firefighter in Kenosha, WI, and served the people of Pitkin County as a Detention Deputy. His love of adventure included cross country biking, skiing, and travel. His dedication to his faith and church was apparent in many volunteer activities as well as his teaching at the school of the Cornerstone Church in Basalt, CO.

He was a kind and gentle soul who often filled a room with his hearty laugh and considered everyone he ever met to be a friend.

Jim will be buried at The Grand Junction Military Cemetery in Grand Junction, CO. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. Donations may be made in his memory to his sons Joshua and Caleb DeBerge, 890 3rd St., Meeker CO 81641 or Jim's Church: Trinity Reformed Church, 5033 County Road 335, Space 400, New Castle CO 81647.