Aug. 26, 1946 ~ Jan. 8, 2025
James “Jim” Bruce Claybaugh, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on Jan. 8, 2025, in Rangely, Colorado, at the age of 78. Jim was born on Aug. 26, 1946, at the old St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Junction, Colorado, to J. Bruce Claybaugh Jr. and Dorothy Ruth Doughty.
Raised on his family’s ranches in Leadville and Whitewater, Colorado, Jim developed a deep connection to the land and a strong work ethic that carried him throughout his life. He lived in Grand Junction, Colorado Springs, and Silt, Colorado, before settling in Rangely at the age of 34—a place he would proudly call home for the remainder of his life.
Jim spent the majority of his career as an underground coal miner, a profession he pursued with dedication and pride. He worked at the Mid-Continent Coal Mine in Redstone, Colorado, for eight years before joining Blue Mountain Energy at the Deserado Coal Mine in 1982. Over his 29 years of service at Deserado, Jim held many roles, including Long Wall operator. He ultimately transitioned to the railroad section of the mine, where he spent the final seven years of his career as a Train Engineer, retiring at the age of 65.
An avid outdoorsman, Jim found joy in the natural beauty of Colorado. He was a passionate fisherman who cherished his home on the White River outside Rangely, where he and his wife, Vickie, designed and built a unique straw bale house, a testament to their shared vision and hard work. Jim also delighted in deer and elk hunting each fall and could often be found tending to his garden during the spring and summer months.
Jim is survived by his loving wife, Vickie, of their home; his son, Jason (Angela); daughters, Rochelle, Rena (Brad), and Marjorie (John); and six cherished grandchildren. He is also survived by his four sisters, Mary Lou (Ron), Jane Ann (Rod), Dorothy Ruth (Bob), and Kelly (Chris), as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his parents and two beloved grandchildren, Jessica Widmer and Connor Hart.
Graveside services to honor and celebrate Jim’s life were held on Jan. 13, 2025, at 11 a.m. at the Rangely Cemetery.
Jim’s legacy of hard work, love for the outdoors, and devotion to his family will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. May he rest in peace.
