January 26, 1989 – September 7, 2024

“The stars are not wanted now; put out every one; pack up the moon and dismantle the sun. Pour away the ocean and sweep up the wood, for nothing now can ever come to any good”.
That sad, famous Auden poem is where we start our grieving journey. We won’t always feel like this, we know that his memories and pictures will once more bring us joy and gratitude for that brilliant time he was with us.

James Terry died unexpectedly and far too young on September 7, 2024, at age 35. He was born and raised in the Yampa Valley, educated straight through from Discovery Learning to Steamboat Elementary, Middle School and High School, where he graduated in 2007.
“Jimmy Doug” loved Steamboat; his many part-time jobs while growing up here defined him as the classic happy-days mix of outdoorsman, passionate athlete, fun-loving friend and devoted son. Summers found him building vast fences along ranches around the county, working as attendant at picturesque Haymaker Golf, renting boats and fishing at Stagecoach Marina, dove hunting with his dad and in winters, fitting skis and boards at his father’s ski rental shop. He was a hard worker and found joy and humor at every task. He loved his friends, his pickup truck, Double Z Barbecue, his bulldog Boomer, his cat Mimi, his uncle Jim, who visited every year with his wife and kids and taught him to cook old family recipes, lessons which Jim generally received with some scorn. However, he turned into a capable cook, handling everything but the turkey and dressing every Thanksgiving, even the pies.
As was true for so many kids who grew up here, skiing and snowboarding were second nature, but his passion from age 6 was hockey, which he played continuously from mites through high school, junior hockey, college and adult leagues before hanging skates up for good in his late 20’s. He graduated from Northern Arizona University in 2013 with a degree in Business/Management, and moved to Denver to find his way in the world. He wasn’t happy with several tech and sales jobs, currently loved and was fascinated with his job at an industrial hose company, but knew he hadn’t found his niche yet.
Jim loved traveling through the United States, Mexico and Europe. Three colorful tatoos gave us insight to things Jim cared about…a montage of snow-covered mountains, maple leaves and hockey sticks, a St Christopher portrait asking protection from the patron saint of travelers, a Gaelic poem about a father’s inspiration. He took two visits to Ireland, investigating his ancestry and perhaps a bit too much Guinness Stout. He scuba’d in Mexico, traveled through Switzerland by train, playing hockey with small-town Swiss kids and marveling at the Alps and beautiful lifestyle there. Ran with the bulls in Pamplona with dad and friends, once was enough but a great adventure. His early death interrupted current plans to visit Scandinavia next year.
Our wonderful son recently returned from a family reunion in Florida celebrating his grandmother’s 100th birthday, where he reunited with nearly all his living relatives from around the country. A blessing for us all and reminder to stay in touch with those you love. He leaves us all behind, stunned and broken-hearted at this early end to a beautiful life….a life well-lived but the journey cut short.
Jim hadn’t yet found his life partner, but knew that day would come, and was preparing to find a mountain 2nd home to bring his future family for visits so they could see how he’d grown up in his favorite place in the world. A fulfilling life lay ahead.
At the time of his death, Jim was in the process of preparing an estate sale at his father’s house, hoping to benefit some of his favorite Steamboat non-profits, including the hockey team. The project is now headed by his godmother, Kathy Connell and we hope it will come to fruition someday.
Left behind are his parents, Nancy Ryan Terry, living in Florida, and Doug Terry, now suffering from advanced Alzheimer’s. Grandmother Esther Ryan, uncles James Ryan (Helena), and Chuck Ryan (Lisa Shaw) and their beautiful, large and far-flung families, along with many cousins. Brother Dwayne (Sarah) resides in Texas. Jim was preceded in death by his grandfathers James Patrick Ryan and James Terry, grandmother Marjorie Terry, uncles Daniel and Randall Ryan.
Memorial plans are undetermined as yet, until then, his grieving mother, Nancy Ryan Terry, welcomes calls and cards to share memories of her beloved child. She can be messaged on Facebook. End arrangements will be made at Yampa Valley Funeral Home.