James Dean Wieland

James Dean Wieland, born October 24, 1936, passed away on December 11, 2025, after a life marked by learning, craftsmanship, and devotion to family. A longtime educator with Denver Public Schools, James spent his career helping students develop confidence, discipline, and problem-solving skills.

Outside the classroom, James enjoyed pursuits that reflected patience, creativity, and quiet humor. Chess was a lifelong passion; he led a school chess club, studied historic championship matches, taught his sons to play, and continued challenging himself through online play later in life. He also loved fishing and camping, especially throughout the Colorado Rockies, where many family trips were centered around lakes and time outdoors. A skilled carpenter, James built furniture still used today and completed extensive work on the family home. He also handcrafted walking sticks known as “Steady Sticks,” which he shared with friends and family, often as lighthearted gifts.

James is survived by his wife, Pat; his sons, Doug and Kirk; his daughter-in-law, Deb; his granddaughters, Danielle and Lauren; and his dog, Snoops.