James "Jim" Matthew Schlieker

December 15, 1942 - January 18, 2024

Jim Schlieker, one of Longmont's native sons and a lifelong resident of Colorado, passed away at Longmont

United Hospital Thursday, January 18th after a long illness. He was 81 years old. He had been married to his wife Anitra for 44 years. They lived happily in Longmont at first and later settled in Mead.

In addition to Anitra, Jim is survived by his son Brett and wife Mary of Meridian, Idaho; his sister Maxine Mark of Fort Collins; brother Bill and wife Judy of Longmont; sister Nancy Weiss of Severance; brother Tom and wife Jean of Arlee, Montana. He was preceded in death by his parents Arnold and Irene Schlieker and sister Ann Conilogue, also of Longmont.

James Matthew Schlieker grew up on the family farm just outside Longmont and went to St. John the Baptist Catholic School, where he developed a reputation for mischief, which sometimes got him in trouble with the Sisters. As he grew older, he mellowed a bit, but he never lost his love of mischief. Jim's proudest moment was welcoming the birth of his son Brett in 1964. As with most families, there were times of difficulty, but his love for his son never wavered.

While his first interest was to be a veterinarian, an early job assisting his uncle led to a career as an electrician and welder. In 1962, he joined the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and remained a proud member of Local Union 68 for the rest of his life. From the very beginning Jim embodied the fundamental Colorado values of independence, competence, hard work, and analytical skill. He could do things. Whether repairing a fence, saddling a horse, or working on Fort St. Vrain Nuclear Power Plant, his standards were always the highest. He contributed to major infrastructure at Rocky Flats, DIA, LAX and multiple commercial projects throughout the Denver area and across the countr y.

In September of 1979 he met Anitra Mckee, and they were married before year's end. There began a joyful life of travel, weekends at the cabin, family get-togethers, and motorcycling with friends. At home they shared their lives with a series of beloved dogs, most recently "Louis" for whom Jim held a special affection. For all of us who knew him Jim will hold a warm place in our hearts.

A memorial service will be held at Ahlberg Funeral Chapel, 326 Terry Street, Longmont, CO 80501 on Monday January 29th at 10:00 a.m. Reception to follow at the chapel. Memorial contributions may be sent to Weld Food Bank.