James Bernard Warner

James (Jim) B. Warner, 91, passed on January 8, 2026, due to complications suffered following a fall Christmas morning.

He is proceeded in death by his parents, James M. (Pop and Ruth) Warner of Denver and Grand Lake CO, his brother William D. (Bill) Warner of Grand Junction CO, and a niece Laurie Warner Sinicki also of Grand Junction CO.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years Beverly (Bev.) Lawson Warner of Highlands Ranch CO; daughters Ann Warner (Bill Kilby) of Fredericksburg VA and Susan Warner (Henry) McCann of Gypsum CO; and, granddaughters Caitlin McCann of Denver CO, and Bridget McCann of Gypsum CO.

Born in Denver CO, Jim graduated from South High School in 1952 where he wrestled and was a sports editor/reporter for the school paper. He participated in the Highlander Boys, retiring as Colonel, and in the Order of DeMolay, achieving the distinctions of Past Master Counselor and Chevalier Degree. During his earlier school years, Jim attended Byers Junior High and Steele Elementary where he enjoyed playing sports and spending time in Grand Lake with his brother and school/neighborhood friends and working numerous odd jobs.

Jim graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a Bachelor of Science Degree majoring in Business Administration in 1956. He was a varsity wrestler earning his Freshman Numeral and Varsity Letter his Sophomore and Junior years. In 1973-1975, he served as President of the Buff Alumni Wrestling Club. Jim was the Minority Sports Correspondent for the Coloradoan Yearbook. As a Kappa Sigma Fraternity brother, he was recognized with the Achievement Scholarship and served as Rush Chairman his Junior year. Jim’s undergraduate years were also filled with many on and off-campus jobs including working at the Sink.

Upon college graduation, Jim enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. (USMC). After two years of active duty at Marine Corps Air Station El Torro, he was honorably discharged in 1958 at the rank of Corporal. For an additional four years, Jim served in the USMC Inactive Reserves.

Jim’s professional career centered around the family business, Waterworks Sales Company (WWS) which was founded by his father in 1936. Following his Honorable Discharge from the USMC., Jim was employed full-time in 1958 eventually becoming President in 1968 and Chairman of the Board in 1995. He retired from WWS in 1996.

Jim’s career, was complemented by his service to and leadership roles in numerous community and professional organizations:

Initially joining International Rotary and Denver Rotary Club 31 in 1971, he was recognized with 50 Years of Service (2021), Honorary Member (1983), and as a Paul Harris Fellow (1978). His leadership roles in Denver Rotary were President (1979-1980), Director (1976-1979), Secretary (1976-1977), President of Denver Girls (1977-1978), currently Denver Kids, and he was instrumental in establishment of the Denver Rotary Club Foundation (1978). Jim and Bev. also participated in numerous World Community Service projects notably providing seed funding for water and sanitation projects in Guatemala (early 2000s).

Jim’s leadership roles continued in the American Water Works Association (AWWA) and its Rocky Mountain Section (RMSAWWA). For RMSAWWA, he served in numerous leadership roles including Chair (1971-1972), International Director (1979-1981), and recognized as an Honorary Member (1986) and Lifetime Member (1990). He and Bev. participated in the “People to People” tour of the then-Soviet Union and various parts of Europe (1976). His recognitions included the Good Skate (1969), Distinguished Service (1969), George Warren Fuller (1983) and the James B. Warner Studies Scholarship (1990). For AWWA, Jim’s primary contributions were with its Manufacturers Advisory Committee where he assumed numerous leadership roles culminating in Chair (1989-1990) and International Director At-Large (1987-1990).

In addition, Jim participated in Water for People initiatives beginning in 1980 via AWWA, Denver Rotary Club 31, and the Water Environment Foundation. Jim also was quite active in the Rocky Mountain Water Pollution Control Association being recognized with several awards: Sludge Shoveler (1972), Arthur Sidney Bedell (1976), Alfred E. Packer (1974), and Homestead Industries/Ken W. Gorton Memorial (1974).

Jim served as Director of the Colorado Utility Contractors Association (1986-1989) and was recognized as Associate Member of the Year (1988 and 1987).

Following in his father’s footsteps, Jim was active in the Masons: Paul Revere Lodge, A.F.&A.M #162 (1963-1979); George Washington Lodge, A.F.&A.M. (1979-2026); Colorado Consistory, #1A.&A.S.R. Scottish/Rite 32nd Degree (1979); and El Jebel Shrine (1979).

Jim’s commitment to/love of faith, country, family, friends, and colleagues is a cause for reflection and celebration. A Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, February 7, 2026, 2pm, at Horan & McConaty 5303 East County Line Road, Centennial CO 80122. The service will also be livestreamed; this and other details available at Horan & McConaty.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making a donation to: Denver Kids, Denver Rotary Club 31 Foundation, James B. Warner Studies Scholarship, USMC Scholarship Foundation, and/or a charity of choice.