James Debouse

Born June 1, 1946, in Denver, Colorado, James Oscar, joined the Emma Mae and Oscar, Jr. DeBouse's family. James was the second youngest of four children.

James was educated in the Denver Public School. He attended Columbine Elementary, Smiley Junior High and was a proud graduate of Manual High School class of 1964. His family attended New Hope Baptist Church during his childhood providing him with a foundation for life.

After graduation, James joined the United States Army and served in the Vietnam War. He achieved the rank of Sergeant in the 25th Infantry Division. Some of the things that James experience during the war did have an effect. He suffered for PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) and he often shared his experiences and thoughts of suicide with other members of his community. His mission was to ensure that everyone felt respected and well loved. He was a proud patriot and it was common to see James drinking coffee, laughing and joking with his friends at the McDonald on Colorado Blvd and Bruce Randolph.

Soon after being honorably discharged from the military, James worked at Rocky Flats. He also worked for Albany, Indiana water plant as well as the Denver Water Department for 11 years. He was an excellent welder, carpenter and leather smith. These skills allowed James to work for himself as a Handy Man until his retirement.

James married Marilyn Ann Berry of Denver, CO. were welcomed by their lovely daughters Monique Lenice Berry, Jeanette Marshay Foster, Tina Kay DeBouse and Solreah DeBouse. He later married Karen Thomas and to this union came one son Darren DeBouse.

Family was James priority. His life's motto "Quality not Quantity". He passed his skills as a carpenter to his children. He was passionate about them pursuing an education or skill to ensure they would have a profitable livelihood.

A man of many talents, James enjoyed spending time in nature, especially camping, fishing, riding his bike and all things electronic. It was common to see him videotaping and taking photos at every opportunity.

James Oscar DeBouse departed this life on Thursday, March 28, 2019, of natural causes, at the Veterans Community Living Center at Fitzsimmons, Aurora, Colorado. He is preceded in death by his parents, Emma Mae and Oscar DeBouse Jr.; his brothers, Ronald Ray, and John DeBouse.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Karen; children, Darren (Shameka) DeBouse, Monique Berry, Jeanette Foster, Tina DeBouse all of Denver, and Solreah DeBouse of Muncie, IN; first wife, Marilyn Berry, Hill City, KS; a brother, Donald (Diane) DeBouse of Charlotte, NC; sister-in-law's Frances DeBouse of Phoenix, AZ, Johnnie DeBouse of Atlanta, GA; four grandchildren, Jahnique Stroud, Stephen Foster Jr., Noah and Jonah DeBouse; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and devoted friends.

Visitation : April 8, 2019 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace
6601 Colfax Avenue
Denver, CO 80220
(303) 996-0869

Celebration of Life : April 8, 2019 2:00 pm

Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace
6601 Colfax Avenue
Denver, CO 80220
(303) 996-0869

Reception : April 8, 2019 4:00 pm

Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace
6601 Colfax Avenue
Denver, CO 80220
(303) 996-0869