James "Jim" Morgan Dillingham

James Morgan Dillingham

August 29, 1943 – May 13, 2026

James (Jim) Morgan Dillingham, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and pillar of the Fowler, Colorado community, passed away at his home in Fowler, on May 13, 2026, at the age of 82. Born on August 29, 1943, to Hollis and Mildred (McLellan) Dillingham in Fowler. James lived a life as wide open and deeply rooted as the Colorado plains he loved.

Over the course of his life, James wore many hats — Army National Guard (1964-65), police officer, truck driver, and farmer. His dream job, however, was the one that brought him the most joy: cattle trader. That passion for livestock led him to found Dillingham Livestock, a business that stands as a testament to the hard work and grit that defined his character. James was well-respected in the cattle trade and developed numerous friendships through his dealings. When James wasn’t visiting various sale barns in Colorado and Kansas, he could be found outside tending to the various livestock he kept, reading westerns, watching rodeos and classic western movies, and traveling to see family.

Yet for all his accomplishments, James himself would tell you that none compared to the family he and his wife Jacqueline built together. He married Jacqueline Griswold on October 10, 1965, in La Junta, and from that day forward, she was his partner in everything. Together they raised six children, and James considered that his greatest achievement — not just raising them but watching them grow into remarkable people with meaningful lives and families of their own. His children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were his truest measure of success, and they knew it.

James Morgan Dillingham left this world much as he lived in it — surrounded by love and leaving behind a legacy of hard work, compassion, and devotion to others. He lived a life rich in purpose, measured not by accomplishments or material things, but by the countless lives he touched and the community he faithfully served. He will be profoundly missed and lovingly remembered by all who were fortunate enough to know him.

James was preceded in death by his parents, Hollis and Mildred Dillingham; his sister, Margaret Dowell; and his grandson, Richard James "RJ" Dillingham.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Jacqueline; his sister, Judith Tucker; and his 6 children: Jammie (Dale) Fellhauer, William (Gidget) Dillingham, Penny (Larry) Haley, Scott (Starla) Dillingham, Chelie (Doug) Hudson, Hollis (Mary) Dillingham, 18 grandchildren: David (Shambrey) Dillingham, Kjellanda Aragon, James (Jameri) Aragon, Travis (Hailey) Aragon, Marisa (Kiel) Rafferty, Jessica (Matt) Breuer, Miles (Melissa) Dillingham, Casey (Brandon) Garcia, Cheyenne Cook, Randarae-Lynn (Chris Schweizer), Lane Dillingham, Chance Dillingham, Brayden Dillingham, Morgan (Garrett) Ross, Kori-Beth (Marcos) Rodriguez, Colleen-Janae (Brian) Fage, Justin-Curtis Hudson, John Hollis "JH" Dillingham, 39 great-grandchildren.

Services will be announced at a later date.