Doyle W James

Doyle W. James was born November 6, 1935 and died July 12, 2024 at the age of 88. All the interesting stuff happened in between. Doyle loved telling stories, here is his story.

Doyle was born to Ferris and Marion (Brooks) James in Mertzon, Texas. At a young age his parents divorced and his mother was remarried to Orville “Dean” Perkins who was a strong guiding influence in his life. He spent his youth in Brawley, California and the southwest areas of El Paso, Texas and Albuquerque, New Mexico growing up with 2 older brothers Ace Bradford and Donald James, and one younger brother Weldon James until his family moved to Evergreen, Colorado for his high school years. 

Doyle developed strong friendships at Evergreen High School and decided to stay in Evergreen when his step-father’s job took the family to Phoenix, Arizona. Doyle lived with friends and supported himself by working any job he could find until graduating Evergreen High School in 1954. He learned many of his skills in carpentry, electrical work, plumbing and car mechanics during this time. Doyle was an athlete in high school and yes, at 6’3” tall he did play basketball and was team captain.

Doyle married Shirley Bluck with whom he had 2 sons Michael and Steven. He later divorced and remarried Darlene Nichols whose son was Rick Nichols. Doyle enjoyed sports and an active lifestyle with his family. He was a waterskier, snow skier, snowmobiler, country dancer, and a Denver Broncos season ticket holder. Years later Doyle divorced and remained single.

Doyle had a long and distinguished career in law enforcement and community service.

He started as a patrol officer in Morrison, Colorado and shortly after joined the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department in 1957, rising up the ranks and serving as Deputy, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, and Chief of Detectives until 1969. He was a Colorado state capitol lobbyist/law enforcement advisor from 1962-1968.

In 1969 he was appointed United States Marshal for the District of Colorado by President Nixon and confirmed by the United States Senate. He served under Presidents Ford and Carter until his term expired in 1977. During his tenure he developed and implemented multiple safety and security programs with nationwide reach. He received special recognition from the US Marshals Service for his outstanding leadership in implementing the Witness Security (Wit Sec) Program, and received the US Department of Justice Special Achievement Award for sustained superior performance of duty from the attorney general.

While working full time with the US Marshals Service, he pursued his college degree and graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in political science/criminal justice from Metropolitan State College in Denver, Colorado.

He volunteered and was involved in many civic organizations including Parent/Teachers Association, Junior Chamber of Commerce, and Metropolitan Law Enforcement Association (past president).

Upon leaving the US Marshals Service Doyle worked in the private sector as general manager of Realty World, then VP of Televents cable company before returning to his roots in public service at Jefferson County in 1984. He served as Director of Corrections until 1990, after which he served as Director of the Community Resources Division, Director of the Fairgrounds and then Acting Director of the Public Works Division until his retirement in 1999.

Doyle stayed active during retirement with his handyman business and doing home remodeling projects for family members. He enjoyed woodworking in his basement workshop, walking around the neighborhood with his Corgi dogs, going to breakfast at McDonald’s with the ROMEOs (Retired Old Men Eating Out), making trips to Dairy Queen for hot fudge sundaes, volunteering for the Westridge community HOA, and spending time with his neighbors, friends and family. 

Doyle met his long-term special friend Amy in 1993 and they traveled the world together viewing glaciers and grizzlies in Alaska, polar bears in Arctic Norway, penguins in Antarctica, and giant tortoises in the Galapagos. Doyle enjoyed telling stories about zip lining in the rain forest of Costa Rica, sand bathing in Japan, and rescuing a distressed cruise ship in rough seas crossing the Drake Passage. And these were just a few of their adventures together.

Doyle was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2021 and moved to MorningStar Assisted Living of Littleton in June 2023. Although the radius of adventures shortened in the last year of his life, he was able to visit many nearby beautiful state parks including Roxborough, Chatfield, Red Rocks, and South Platte River Park.

Doyle passed away at Swedish Medical Center after a short hospitalization with his beloved ones Amy and Steve by his side.

Doyle is survived by his son, Steve James; grandsons Devin James, Michael James, Jr., Danny Nichols, and Ben Nichols; daughter-in-law Lynne Nichols, and niece Mary Kay James. He is preceded in death by brothers Ace Bradford, Donald James, and Weldon James; sons Michael James and Rick Nichols.

A memorial reception will be held at Horan & McConaty 3101 S. Wadsworth Boulevard, Lakewood, CO 80227 on Saturday, September 14th at 2pm. 

In lieu of flowers and in honor of Doyle, please consider donations to

Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Employee Assistance Fund at www.jcsoeaf.org or

US Marshals Museum in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Go to DONATE/tributes section at www.marshalsmuseum.org