Ronald Sutherland James of Missouri Heights died Thursday, Jan. 16, 2003, at Valley View Hospital in Glenwood Springs. He was 72.

He was born June 1, 1930, in Buffalo, N.Y.

He received a bachelor’s degree from Houghton College, a doctor of divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary, a master’s in classical philology from Harvard University and an honorary doctorate from the College of Washington and Jefferson.

He married Lois Bailey in 1953. They had four children together. They were divorced.

Later in life, he married Carolyn Jackson. She survives.

Mr. James worked for 36 years as a Presbyterian minister in Otisville and Yorktown Heights, N.Y., and in Stamford, Conn. He served as adjunct pastor of the Aspen Chapel in Aspen from 1993 to 2003.

He was named a Paul Harris Fellow by the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International in appreciation of his work in improving understanding and relations among people of the world.

He authored numerous articles and three books.

Using sermons, prayer, story, song, poetry and humor, he reached thousands of people with a powerfully simple message – that what matters is the journey, the power and mystery of faith, and the real meaning of being alive.

Ron helped people envision what can be, and to recognize the things we hold in common are greater than the things that divide us.

He was a lifelong birder, mountain climber, hiker, biker and master dry-fly fisherman.

He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Jackson James of Missouri Heights; by his mother, Ivy Ellen Yell of Buffalo, N.Y.; by sons Steven Ronald James of Stratford, Conn., and David Samuel James of Stamford, Conn.; by daughters Kristin James Able of Franktown, and Jennifer James Bridge of Monroe, Conn.; and by 10 grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 15, at the Aspen Chapel.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Ron James Spiritual Series Fund at the Aspen Chapel, the Aspen Valley Land Trust or The Nature Conservancy.