James Paul Renteria, 74, of Rocky Ford, CO, passed away Wednesday, November 13th, at University of Colorado Hospital, Aurora, CO.

James was born in Pueblo, CO on January 15, 1945, a son of the late Mary Louise and Salvador Renteria.

He served in the U.S. Marines during the Vietnam War.

He retired as a Heavy Equipment Operator at Colorado Fuel & Iron in Pueblo, CO.

He was the Senior Vice Commander at Rocky Ford American Legion Post #8 which he served for eleven years. He also volunteered for the Boys Youth Club in Pueblo, Build a Generation in Rocky Ford and the Arkansas Valley Resource Center.

Paul had his Master Forester Certification and loved taking care of his trees. He loved children and helping them, from handing out candy on Halloween and plums in the summer from his trees to bandaging skinned knees. He also loved all the dogs he rescued, especially Shadow and Likker. Paul was outstanding at construction and cabinetry and it showed in his home. He also loved fishing and gambling whether at Cripple Creek or Las Vegas. Paul will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by: Wife Carolyn of the home; Step - Son Charles (Pam Hayes) Clifford, of Stevenson Ranch, CA; Brother Sil Renteria, of Pueblo, CO; Brother Salvador (Margie) Renteria, of Rocky Ford, CO; Sister Mary Lou Appia, of Spokane, WA; Sister Margie Herrera, of Pueblo, CO; Sister Susie Gonzalez, of Tooele, UT; Sister Irene Torres, of Pueblo, CO; Sister Tillie Encina, of Pueblo, CO; He is also survived by Numerous Nieces & Nephews Paul was preceded in death by his parents, brother: George Rivera; sister: Patricia Herrera.

A Rosary will be recited at 10:00 AM with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, November 20th both at the Our Lady of Guadalupe/St. Patrick Parish in La Junta, CO with Fr. Matthew Wertin officiating. Interment will be in the Ft. Lyon National Cemetery, Las Animas, CO. Military honors will be conducted by the Rocky Ford American Legion Post #8. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Rocky Ford American Legion; 966 Walnut, Rocky Ford, CO 81067.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Ford - Ustick Funeral Home. Online condolences may be sent to www.fordustick.com.