James Leroy Weinbender was born to Joseph James and Arlene Ruby Weinbender, on March 30, 1957 in Julesburg, Colorado.  James Leroy entered into eternal rest on December 27, 2024 at the age of 68 in his home with his wife and pets.

James Leroy's family moved from Julesburg, Colorado to Greeley, Colorado in 1957.

He went to Franklin and Heath where he was involved with Track and Football.  He went to Greeley West High School for 2 years where he was involved with wrestling.  The family moved to Kersey in 1973 where they had a pig farm.  He started Kersey High School and decided to join the Marines in 1973.

He proudly served the United States Marine Corp from 1973 to 1984.  During this time he received his GED.  He joined the volleyball team and weight lifting team which he earned 3rd place and the following year he earned 2nd place and the team one first place trophy.  He also started classes for auto body repair.  His first tech job was at Rusty Eck Ford where he developed his skill.

When he came home he followed his passion and opened Jim's Body Shop and that is where he met Fred Brown and they have continued that relationship.  He closed his shop and started working at Garnsey and Wheeler Ford in 1985.

In early 1986 he met Kathy Rose Newman in March.  He asked his love of his life to marry him and he was married September 6, 1986.

He worked for Ford for years.  He left and worked for Auto Collision.  He went to work at Ghent Chevrolet and after a year he took on the job of manager of the body shop.  When he retired he did teach at Aims Community College Automotive Division.

He was passionate about the auto body industry and would help any new tech that would start.

He loved his stereo and would listen to his hard rock very loud.  He loved hot rods and he would build them from the motor to the body of the car.  He loved camping and fishing and he spent a lot of time on Laramie River Road.

He was a devoted husband and passionate about providing for his wife.  He has no children, but his love for dogs and cats is undeniable as he leaves behind 3 dogs and 7 cats.  He always had a love for life, very caring and very mischievous.

James Leroy is survived by his wife Kathryn Rose Weinbender.  As the oldest brother of the family, he is survived by Carrie Ann Finke, Katherine Louise Fry, Laura Ann Sartor and David Wayne Weinbender.  His father, Joseph James and mother, Arlene Ruby preceded him in death.

A Life Celebration will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 18, 2025 at Adamson Life Celebration Home in Greeley.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Kathy Weinbender.