James T. Reighter “Jim” passed away on April 10, 2017 while under AccentCare Hospice at Fair Acres Manor in Greeley, Colorado, from colon cancer. He was born December 21, 1933 in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to Ralph and Chloe B. (Snellenberger) Reighter.
Jim attended schools in Fort Wayne, including Purdue University in Lafayette. He served in the Army in Korea during the Korean Conflict at a M.A.S.H. unit as a Medical Specialist (“Medic”) and training/communications technician. Through this service, he earned the National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal and Meritorious Unit Commendation. In 1956 he stayed in Denver, Colorado, married Louise Blackwill, had two daughters, then divorced in 1967. He was Manager at the Federal, Oriental and other theaters in the Denver area, then worked at DuoFast and FastCo before starting his own tool repair business, “TOOL MEDIC.” He enjoyed working puzzles when alone, but had a great time playing accordion and bass guitar “jam” sessions with his long-time friend, Dan Slusher.
Jim is survived by daughters: Jeanette Troudt and Cynthia Reighter; grandchildren: Camilla (Jacob) Sampson and Eric (Jacque) Troudt; great-grandchildren: Sarah and Benjamin Sampson, and Easton Troudt; many friends, nephews and nieces; and four siblings still in the Fort Wayne area: Ralph, Robert (Lois) and Ruth Reighter, and Nancy (Marlin) Yoder. He was preceded in death by four brothers: Clare, David, Ivan and Richard.
A private service will be held at graveside at Fort Logan National Cemetery at a later date. Memorial gifts may be sent in care of Moser Funeral & Cremation Service, 3501 South 11th Avenue, Evans CO 80620, towards AccentCare Hospice or American Cancer Society, and condolences to www.moserfuneralservice.com.