James E. Herrell

James “Jim” Herrell passed away on February 2, 2022 at the age of 70 after achieving perfection in his comedy set. As his last act and true to his nature, he powered through adversity to return to his home in La Junta, Colorado. At his passing he was surrounded by his girls and family.

Jim took on many roles in his life: first baseman, principal, dino-hunter, philosopher, deep sea fisher, and world traveler. Jim’s love for humanity and care for others was relentless. He ardently believed in and defended fairness and decency, which led him to spar with corporations and help challenge the expansion of the Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site. Jim never failed to step up to the plate when he saw someone in need; his acts of heroism have touched the lives of countless individuals.

Jim was dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge and sharing wisdom, which fostered an insatiable appetite for reading and connecting with others wherever he went. As the biggest little kid, his joys and passions were contagious. Consequently, dinosaur bones and GSA photo time scales are more common in southern Colorado households than anywhere else in the world.

He is survived by his wife, Kendra of the La Junta home; children, Dänya Herrell of La Junta; Audrey Herrell of Washington, D.C.; Jaime Herrell of Santa Fe, NM; stepchildren, Adam (Sasha Ortiz) Smith of Rocky Ford; Mason (Mandi Pickerill) Smith of Rocky Ford; Sarah (Arnold) Clem of Baltimore, MD; Tim Clem & Nate Clem of La Junta; grandchildren, Kaiden Pickerill & Shazlynn Smith; brother, Kim (Ann) Herrell of Vancouver, WA; niece and nephew, Kate & Ross Herrell; beloved dogs, Bones and Sadie. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A Celebration of Jim’s life will be held on Saturday, February 12, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at the Primary School Gymnasium, 601 Topeka Avenue in La Junta.

In lieu of flowers those wishing to do so may make memorial contributions to the CBR Youth Connect, designate Otero County (www.cbryouthconnect.org/get-involved/donate), 12567 W. Cedar Dr., Suite 250, Golden, CO, 80228 or to the Sangre de Cristo Hospice (www.sangre.org/donate-now2), 1920 Valley Drive, Pueblo, CO, 81008, Picketwire Canyon/Herrell Memorial, make checks to the U.S. Forest Service, 1420 E. 3rd Street, La Junta, CO, 81050 direct or through the funeral home.

Online condolences may be made at www.PeacockFH.com. Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.