James LeRoy Harden
May 9, 1935 - May 17, 2025
James "Jim" Harden III of Lakewood, Colorado, died at home surrounded by family on May 17, 2025, just 8 days after his 90th birthday.
Fondly known as Jimmy, Dad, and Grandpa, Jim is survived by wife Elizabeth and ex-wife Dorothy; six children: James IV, Jennifer, John, Jeffrey, Laney, and Isaac; five grandchildren: Moorea, Michael, Caleb, Joanna, and Serena; nephew David and niece Libba.
His sister Emily, with whom he shared an infectious sense of humor, quick wit, and a stubborn will to live, passed away in October 2025.
Jim was born in Deland, Florida, to James LeRoy Harden II and Mary Susan Hodges on May 9, 1935. He grew up mostly in Florida and then Texas where he graduated from high school just days after his 17th birthday. He enrolled in Texas Tech to study engineering but hated it so he volunteered for the draft.
After discharge from the Army, Jim moved to Boulder, Colorado, where he earned a master's degree in applied mathematics from Colorado University. He turned down a spot in CU's doctoral program for a position with GE in Florida where he worked on projects relating to the Apollo space program. Later he relocated to California to work for Lockheed. In 1975, Jim moved back to Colorado to join his father as VP of Petro Atlas Corporation, stepping up to President after his dad’s death.
Jim was a man of few words. But his word was his bond. He played a mean game of chess, had an infectious laugh, loved dark comedies (comedy optional), and could have taught a masterclass on unconditional love. But above all else, Jim was a devoted father. He could calm the most colicky of infants. He helped with Scouts and Little League. He let himself be thrown in pools, kissed heart-throb photos goodnight, and listened to whatever music his kids enjoyed no matter how much he disliked the lead singer’s voice. He never missed a parent conference, ball game, swim meet, or music concert. He was intensely proud of his children and never wavered in his commitment to provide a better life and a college education to each of them.
Photos of Jim
