L. James "Jim" Uhrig, age 80 passed away Wednesday, September 13, 2023, in Sterling after a long battle with Parkinsons. Viewing will be held from 1-6 p.m., Friday, September 22 at Chaney-Reager Funeral Home with family receiving friends from 4-6 p.m. A celebration of Jim's life will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, September 23, at Peace Lutheran Church with Reverend Jeff Hanson officiating followed by a luncheon. Jim will be laid to rest at 2 p.m., at Otis Cemetery in Otis, Colorado.

Jim was born February 10, 1943, in Sterling, Colorado to Gerald Jacob and Ellen Ruth (Wiederspan) Uhrig. He attended 1st – 8th grade at Highway School and graduated from Fleming High School in 1961. He was active in FFA, and as an officer he attended 3 state conventions. He also played baseball and football. When Jim wasn't busy with school activities, he worked part time for Tom Acott helping at the farm to help pay for his car and insurance. He was so proud of his first car, a 1934 Ford Coupe with suicide doors.

Jim met Judy Dean Melvin and they were united in marriage on August 5, 1962, in Fleming at the Methodist Church. They lived in the Fleming area, and he worked at the Coop Elevator. He later took a job at the railroad as telegrapher, but the job required him to relocate often. So, in 1964, Jim and Judy moved to Sterling to work for M&H Auto parts for about 3 years. He then worked for Berts Propane selling Case tractors. In 1967, they moved to Columbus, NE where Jim worked for JI Case Co. for 5 years.

In 1972, Jim had an opportunity to start farming in Washington County, Colorado for his Aunt Frances and Uncle George Melvin. They unfortunately moved during the coldest time of year in January. There was frost everywhere. Judy wished that they could have waited for warmer weather, BUT Jim was so anxious that Judy had to hurry and pack her bags or get left behind! And that was the start of a 50-year adventure of farming life. Jim also tried his hand at ranching, when he bought a herd of cattle, and farrowed and raised pigs. Jim also did a lot of custom swathing and baling. He was always willing to help a neighbor or friend.

Jim enjoyed fishing, hunting, and many boat trips to the lake to ski during the summer. The whole family loved skiing and tubing. Later the grandkids learned to ski and go tubing. Snowmobiling was also a highlight. Christmas time around the Uhrig house meant that they were going to Wyoming. One of the most memorable trips was when they went to Yellowstone with friends and 16 snowmobiles.

Jim was an animal lover, from his 3-legged cat that gave kisses to his "must have" dogs. Jim was a long-time member of Fleming United Methodist Church, Otis Presbyterian Church, and later Peace Lutheran Church in Sterling. He was also a member of the Otis Rural Fire Protection District, and FFA advisory board. He was very active at the churches, from being an elder, teaching Sunday School, to being on the church board.

He is preceded in death by his parents, parent-in-laws Reves and Edna Mae Melvin, brother Jerry Uhrig and sisters-in-law Mary Ellen Uhrig, Jerri and Donna.

Jim is survived by his wife of 61 years, Judy; sons Jeff (Kelly) Uhrig and Jacob (Mike Hamburg) Uhrig; grandsons Colton and wife Tara and Peyton Uhrig, great grandsons Parker and Mason Uhrig; brother Ron Uhrig; and sister Terry and several nieces and nephews.

Contributions may be made in Jim's memory to Otis Rural Fire Protection District or Otis Cemetery, both to PO Box 1046, Sterling, CO 80751.