June 21, 1926 - September 30, 2022
James Allan Charles, known as Jim, passed away peacefully at home in Loveland, CO on September 30, 2022 at the age of 96. In his last days he was surrounded by family, including his beloved wife Ann. He was born on June 21, 1926, in Detroit, MI at the home of his parents, James “Jimmy” B. and Laurene (Hagy) Charles. He and Ann knew each other from childhood as their parents were part of a close circle of friends. They started dating in high school and were apart only for the years of his enlistment in the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II. They were married on August 18, 1951 and had celebrated their 71st anniversary prior to his passing. They have three children: Susan “Sue”, Thomas “Tom”, and Karen.
After graduating from pharmacy school at the University of Michigan, Jim worked as a pharmacist his entire career. In 1967, the family moved from Trenton, MI to Vail, CO where Jim partnered with a former colleague, becoming one of the first pharmacists in Vail. He worked at The Rucksack and later ran his business out of the Vail Valley Medical Clinic. He also filled in at the Grand Lake, CO pharmacy and, until retirement, worked at various pharmacies along Colorado’s Front Range.
Jim and Ann retired to Loveland, CO in 1986 where they lived in their home for the rest of Jim’s life. During retirement, Jim was able to indulge his life-long love of reading, watching sports, traveling with Ann, and enjoying their grandchildren. Jim and Ann were members of Mountain View Presbyterian Church.
Jim is survived by the love of his life, his wife Ann (Healey) Charles and his children: Sue Charles and her husband Scott Reid of Fort Collins, CO; Tom and his wife Beth (Thoms) Charles of Littleton, CO; and Karen Charles of Denver, CO. His four grandchildren are Jennifer “Jen” Charles, James “Jac” Charles (and Rise), Allyson Hussey (and Ben Gilliland), and Keith Hussey. Jim and Ann have a great-grandson, James “Yoshi” Charles, and a great-granddaughter is expected in October 2022.
He was preceded in death by his parents James and Laurene Charles, and his sister, Joan Blackmon.
A private family ceremony will be held later in 2022.
