James “Jim” Joseph Loan, 71, of Thornton, Colorado, passed away peacefully at home on February 9, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Jim was born on November 3, 1954, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Robert J. Loan, a pharmacist, and Patricia A. Loan (née Whitt), a devoted homemaker. He was raised in a strong Catholic family, attending Saint Clement School and graduating from Saint Edward High School in Lakewood, Ohio. He went on to attend the University of Toledo, earning his Bachelor’s degree in Marketing Management.

It was during his time in Toledo that Jim met the love of his life, Janice. Their story began with weekend drives back to Lakewood—Jim working at Ratner’s Pharmacy and kindly driving Janice home so she could visit her then-boyfriend. Over time, friendship turned into love. Jim and Janice were married on a very snowy January 10, 1981, in Lakewood, Ohio, and recently celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary before his passing.

In 1982, Jim and Janice relocated to Colorado, where they built a beautiful life together and raised their family. Jim was an entrepreneur at heart. He started his own painting business and for a time owned an auto body shop. The majority of his professional career was spent with The Hartford Insurance Company, where he worked as an auto insurance adjuster. His work took him all over Colorado, and he was known for his easy going nature, fairness, and friendly demeanor.

Jim had a deep love for the outdoors. He was actively involved in Boy Scouts, serving as Cubmaster and Assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 417. He especially treasured canoe trips to the Boundary Waters in Minnesota and hiking adventures at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. His sons were always proud to say their dad was the Assistant Scoutmaster.

An avid fisherman and camper, Jim spent countless happy hours in the Rocky Mountains. He also enjoyed bowling, gardening, attending rock concerts, and cheering on his beloved Denver Broncos and Cleveland Browns. Above all, he loved time spent with family and friends.

Jim will be remembered for his easy-going personality, his ever-present smile, and his love for his family. He had a gift for making others feel welcome and at ease.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Janice (née De Lyle); his awesome sons, Patrick, Matthew, and Weston; his precious daughter, Katie (Princess Katie!); and his beloved grandson, Ronan all of Thornton, Colorado. He is also survived by his sisters Anne Loan and Dianne Winters of Marietta, Georgia; Jeanne Wiedt (Patrick) of Akron Ohio; and his brother Thomas (Sue) Loan of North Ridgeville Ohio; as well as many cherished cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Akron, Ohio, in the summer of 2026. Details will be shared with family and friends at a later date.

Jim’s legacy lives on in the family he cherished, the Scouts he mentored, and the many lives he touched with his kindness and humor. Please support Alzheimer’s research at alz.org.