March 30th, 1945 - December 5th, 2021
James “Jim” Judd, a fifty-year resident of Boulder, Colorado died peacefully in his
home surrounded by his family. Jim was born to parents Virginia Ludwig and Kermit
Kunsman Judd in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania prior to the end of World War II. He grew up
in the Lehigh Valley prior to entering Rutger’s College where he earned a B.S. degree in
Geology (1967).
Three years later in 1970, he received a Masters’ degree in Geology from Duke
University. However, the Real Prize was the introduction to his future wife, Jo Anne
Schlutter.
In 1969, the military conflict in Vietnam re-prioritized Jim’s academic pursuits and
in 1970 he was commissioned as an Ensign in the United States Navy. Prior to his first
duty assignment, Jim and Jo Anne were married and the adventure began. During Lt.
Judds career, he served onboard the attack aircraft carrier USS Saratoga (CVA-60).
During the referenced timeframe, he served in an operational role as an Air Intelligence
Officer for 21 consecutive months supporting air operation with the Sixth and Seventh
Fleets in Vietnam.
In 1973, after his discharge from active service, Jim and Jo headed west to
Boulder for the last phase of academic studies. After completing his PhD in Geology
from the University of Colorado, his first “real” job began in 1977 when he accepted a
position with Amoco Production Company in Denver. After returning from a transfer
from Amoco’s corporate office in Chicago, Jim and Jo made a vow to each other that
Colorado would forever be their permanent home. Subsequently, their three children
were born and raised in Boulder, however, Jim’s career in the oil patch took him to
multiple locations throughout South America, especially Argentina where he
“commuted” to and from for nearly 20 years. In the meantime, Jo minded the ranch and
kept the family in check during this unusual lifestyle.
After he retired in 2007, Jim and Jo did a lot of worldwide travelling. Visited 80
countries and attempted to catch up on those lost times with family and friends. Jim
often commented that he lived a full life, had a wonderful wife, family and a fulfilling
career. He also acknowledged and regretted the family’s time apart during his
professional career. He is survived by his wife Jo Anne of Lafayette, Colorado, his
children, Corry Micaiah of Lafayette, Colorado, Clayton Tyler of Jackson, Wyoming, and
Tobias Conrad and spouse Tanya of Houston, Texas, three grandchildren, Taylor,
Veronica and Sabrina. His sister, Cheryl Judd-Magee and spouse Dr. John Magee, of
Charlotte, North Carolina, and his nieces, Sarah-Kate Pease and Callie Magee.
In lieu of service, the family requests a contribution to the Boulder Humane
Society or The Wild Animal Sanctuary in Keenesburg, Colorado.
Final disposition of remains will be at the Fort Logan National Military Cemetery
in Denver.
