May 17, 1955 - November 6, 2022
James William Bockelmann (Jim), 67, of Loveland, Colorado passed away in his sleep on November 6, 2022. He spent his last few days on a hunting trip surrounded by family in complete bliss. As a lover of the mountains, hunting, baseball, cheesy movies and, most importantly family, he couldn't have had a better day.
The only thing missing on the trip was the love of his life and best friend, Cheri Bockelmann. Big Jim and Cheri spent 39 incredible years filled with love, family, laughter, and adventure. Some of their favorite adventures include four-wheeling, camping in the mountains, and traveling to their cabin in Deerwood, Minnesota. For the last three summers, they lived at the Hamlet Lake Cabin, spending their days with friends and family, chore-in, trolling with leaches, enjoying happy hour pontoon rides, and taking lake drops.
Jim was born in Norfolk, Nebraska, in 1955 to Sidney and Joann Bockelmann. Moving to Colorado at the age of five, Jim continued to live in the Denver area until 1995, when he moved to Loveland.
Together, Jim and Cheri raised a loving family of four, valuing family, hard work, and friendship over everything else. He took pride in his children and did everything he could to support them. You could count on Big Jim to be there for the heavy lifting.
Jim entered the fencing industry in the mid-1970s and continued with the work he loved until his passing. He spent 40 years at Ideal Fencing Corp, with 17 years as an owner. Upon the sale of the business, he continued his involvement as CEO, lending guidance to his sons at every opportunity. Jim was loved throughout the fencing industry and respected as a long-time member of the American Fence Association and Colorado Contractors Association.
Jim was preceded in death by his father, Sidney. He is survived by his mother, Joann, wife Cheryl, and children Jim Jr (Brittany), Matt (Ali), Mike, and Grace (Sam). Jim loved to spend time with and is survived by his grandchildren Wes and Sidney and step-grandchildren Mason, Brea, and Ramona. He is also survived by his sister Annette and brother John.
To many, he was not only a mentor but the lighthouse in the storm. He will be severely missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
A celebration of life, “Big Jim’s Party” will be held on December 2, 2022 from 2 PM to 5 PM at Brookside Gardens, 619 E County Road 8, Berthoud, CO.
