James “Jim” Headley lived his life guided by the words of his favorite hockey player, Wayne Gretzky: “I skate to where the puck is going to be, not where it has been.” Those who knew Jim recognized his genius for envisioning the end result—whether it was the outcome of a project, the mechanics of a machine, or, indeed, where the puck was headed.
After a courageous three-year battle with lymphoma, Jim passed away peacefully at his home in Silverthorne, Colorado, on June 19, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. At the age of 72, he earned his place in heaven, leaving behind a legacy of hope, determination, and love.
Born on September 17, 1952, in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, Jim was the eldest son of the late Hayden and Doris (Stevenson) Headley. He is survived by his siblings Don (Tricia), Larry (Marcia), Jeff (Pam), and Marybeth Chassé (Bill). Jim attended Holy Cross Elementary, O’Rafferty High, and Lansing Catholic Central High School, where he met his high school sweetheart, Emily. Their love story spanned 51 years of marriage, beginning on May 17, 1974, in Lansing, Michigan. That October, they moved to Colorado, where Jim’s passion for the mountains took root during a boys’ ski trip years earlier.
Jim was a devoted father to Alex (Rachel), Nick, Jamilee Coen (Tim), and Daniel (Tara Johnson). His greatest joy, however, was being “Papa” to his grandchildren: Hayden, Hudson, Barclay, Archer, Emmett, Jude, Owen, Kate, Rhaelyn, and Alexandra. Jim cherished sharing stories, adventures, and handfuls of cashews with them. His extended family of nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends will forever cherish his warmth and wisdom.
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