- Date Of Birth: September 16, 1926
- Date Of Death: March 21, 2018
- State: Colorado
It is with sadness that we share the passing of James L. Balagna Jr., beloved husband of the late Helen Anne Balagna. Jim, a Colorado native, was born in 1926 to James and Rita Balagna. He was the mischievous only brother to his five sisters. He was “Buddy” to the many cousins he grew up with, and “Uncle Bud” to dozens of nieces and nephews. Jim served in the Navy at the end of WWII, married his beautiful wife in 1949, graduated from University of Denver in 1950, and spent the majority of his career with National Farmers Union Insurance – retiring in 1992. He was a devoted husband, loving father, adored Papa to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, an avid fisherman, busy backyard gardener, and passionate Rockies fan. He shared his love of camping and fishing with his family, taught his kids how to read maps during our many car vacations, and passed on to us his love of Colorado. We remember Jim as a storyteller, someone who could fix any car, the toughest guy around, and the greatest dad on earth. Jim is survived by his children, Barbara Reilly (Michael, dec.); Susan Balagna; James Balagna (Karen); Thomas Balagna (Jean); Mary Balagna; and Dorothy Morrison (James). Additionally, he is survived by his cherished grandchildren, Katie Goldstein (Jeremy); David Reilly (Erika); Roy Balagna (Tara); Lia Gutknecht (Daniel); Jay Balagna; Leesie Balagna (engaged to Dustin Smith); Amy Balagna (engaged to Josiah Malueg); Michael Balagna; Annie Morrison; and Julia Morrison. Not to be forgotten are his dear great-grandchildren, Jack Goldstein; Caileigh Goldstein; Mike Reilly; Clara Malueg; and Bennett Gutknecht.
