James Gerald Chavez, 74, of Walsenburg, Co. passed away Saturday, June 8, 2019 at his home in Walsenburg. Jim was born in Denver on July 10, 1944. He grew up in and spent the majority of his life in Walsenburg, graduating from St. Mary's High school in 1963. He explored life working many different jobs, but the job that he enjoyed was being a salesman for Wholesale Food, in which he retired after 30 years. He was able to travel to other cities and enjoyed conversating with everyone, even if he didn't know them. James had a passion for music. He was lead singer, who also played bass guitar. He played in a few different bands, Redwing, Madrid II and the Dynamix. The bands would travel to many cities to perform or to help play for a benefit. The bands would travel to Pueblo, Co. in the early 80's to compete in Battle of the Bands. They brought home many trophies during the Fiesta Parade. Jim had the biggest heart, his joy was making other people smile. He loved to joke around, if you knew him you knew he was going to put a smile on your face. Jim is preceded in death by his grandmother, Delfina Chavez, his parents, Celestino and Madeline Phyllis Chavez and his brother, Charles Chavez. He leaves behind his loving wife Joann of 49 years. They have three beautiful children; Jeannie, Jim, Joanie (Don) Arguello, grandchildren; Jamie (Leonard) Smith, Isabella and Esia Arguello, great grand daughter, Braelynn Smith, brothers; Raymond (Caroline), Rudy (Darlene), Dickie, Hank (Maryann), Tom, sisters: Betty Lou (Jim) Montoya and Bella, as well as numerous other relatives. Special friends who he loved dearly; Jim Jaramillo, Nick Archuleta, Ed Duran, Amanda & Alfredo, Yvette Vialpando, and also his cousin Delphine Ortega. Cremation has taken place. Memorial Service, Thursday, June 20, 2019 at 12:30 at St. Mary's Church, Walsenburg, CO. A reception, to celebrate his life, will follow at Delaney Hall, Walsenburg, CO.