James Colleran

James "Jim" Colleran, Peoria, AZ, passed away on August 30, 2010 after a lengthy battle with COPD. He was in his 80th year. Jim was raised in Sioux Falls, SD. He spent his early adult years in Oregon and met and married the love of his life- Dorothy "Dottie" Wenda, who passed away on October 12, 2010. In 1958, they relocated to Santa Barbara and raised six children- Maureen Battey, Palmdale, CA; Christine Sanfedele, San Diego; Janelle Owens, Seattle; David Colleran, Tempe; Patricia Colleran, Yorktown, NY, and James Colleran, Las Vegas. Jim is also survived by brothers Daniel Colleran. Las Vegas; Thomas Colleran, Seattle; and sister Joan Hoxsey, Cincinnati. Jim loved the outdoors and seemed happiest in his retirement years when he was traveling the country in his RV. He was an avid golfer and loved Notre Dame football. He was an accomplished storyteller and public speaker and belonged to Toastmasters, Santa Barbara for many years. He was an engaging conversationalist and sought to learn something from everyone he encountered. Jim said his final good-byes and passed away peacefully in Hospice care. He said he was looking forward to his next great adventure. Jim's kindness, compassion, wit, laughter, and warmth will be dearly missed. A memorial service will be held on Friday November 12, 2010, 11 AM, at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, in north Phoenix. In Jim's memory, donations are being accepted at Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower Street, Phoenix, AZ 85014.