James Peden

James Thomas Peden was born on March 5, 1937, in Ivor, Virginia to his parents, James Thomas Peden, Sr. and Nettie Virginia Wells Peden. He was the sixth child born in the family. He was raised surrounded by his brother, James Winston and his sisters, Florence, Catherine, Diane, Janey, Lavern, JoAnn, Margaret, Harriet and Ruth. He shared a special closeness with his father; they enjoyed fishing, hunting, and going to the barbershop together. James received his formal education in Virginia where he graduated from the Hayden High School. He furthered his education attending Virginia State College, the University of Maryland and Columbia University in Denver. He earned an Associate of Arts Degree, Bachelor of Science Degree and Certificate of Management. On June 4, 1953, James enlisted in the United States Army. While in the Army, he received countless awards and citations for meritorious service. He served his country with honor and distinction and retired after 25 years of faithful and dedicated service at the rank of Staff Sargent. James wed Naomi Blue. They first met while at college in Virginia. To this union, Barry and Larry were born. He later married Loretta Johnson in 1965. There were no children born to this union. On June 7, 1969, James united in holy matrimony to the former Kathen L. Royston. They exchanged vows in Zion Baptist Church in Denver, Colorado; which also was where they first met. To this union, Michael and Gwendolyn were born. Kathen fondly remembers them living in Italy, Germany and traveling all over Europe. Michael and Gwendolyn also remember all the family trips and their father being one whose pride and joy was the care and nurture of his family. He was later blessed with five grandchildren, Joshua, Keisha, Jason, Brian, Angela and a great grandson, Jeremiah who were an additional source of joy and pride in his life. They lovingly called him "grandpa" and fondly remember all the happy and precious moments they spent together. After retiring from the Army, James became employed by the Department of Defense as a Computer Programmer and Analyst. He was a man who performed his duties with precision, accuracy and excellence. He was one who didn't just meet the standards; he exceeded them. He retired for the second time; after 17 years of service. A man of faith and belief in the Lord, James was baptized at an early age at New Branch Baptist Church in Ivor, VA. He joined Zion Baptist Church under the pastoral leadership of the late Reverend Wendell T. Liggins; while stationed at Fitzsimons Army Medical Center. He was a member of the Deacon Ministry, serving until his health disallowed him to do so. He was the Past President of the Laymen Ministry and a member of the Finance Committee. He loved his church and the fellowship shared with his church family. James was a member of several civic organizations to include the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, The Retired Enlisted Association (TREA), the Masons and he also worked with several neighborhood organizations. In his free time, James enjoyed fishing, bowling, hunting, barbeques, cooking and smoking meats. His closest friend, Winston will miss the camaraderie they shared together as friends. He will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known this one of kind guy. To know James was to love him. James Thomas Peden departed this life to the embrace of the Lord on January 23, 2015, in Aurora, Colorado. Those left to cherish his memory and mourn his loss include his loving and devoted wife, Kathen L. Peden of Aurora; three sons, Barry L. (Arlene) Peden of Martinville, VA, Larry D. (Evelyn) Peden of Laurel, MD and Michael D. Peden of Northglenn, CO; one daughter, Gwendolyn R. Peden of Houston, TX; four sisters, Ruth M. Holloway of Baltimore, MD, Catherine V. Peden of Ivor, VA, Janey L. Harper of Baltimore, MD and Sandra L. Barnes of Upper Marlboro, MD; five grandchildren, Joshua Peden, Keisha (Marcus) Ross, Jason Peden, Brian Peden and Angela Peden and one great grandson, Jeremiah Peden and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins other relatives and many friends.

Funeral Home: Pipkin Braswell Funerals and Cremation - 2050 Uinta Street, Denver, Colorado
Visitation: 2/1/2015 at 12:00 PM - Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace - 6601 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO
Service: 2/2/2015 at 11:00 AM - Zion Baptist Church - 933 East 24th Avenue, Denver, CO
Cemetery: 2/2/2015 at 2:15:00 PM - Fort Logan National Cemetery - 4400 W. Kenyon Ave., Denver, CO