James Kirk Gustafson

Celebrating the life of James (Jim) Kirk Gustafson.

James was born on May 13, 1982, in Murray, Utah, to parents Linden and Lisa Gustafson. James was followed by six siblings Amanda, Daniel, Christopher, Mike, Kira and Cody. Jimmy was always coming up with crazy wild west shows as a child and would always have his siblings perform different parts. His sister was always the damsel in distress and he would always save her, just like in life. He was always the protector and peacekeeper in his family.

Jim was an avid sportsman and would play anything. He played basketball and football at Rawlins High School, where he was part of the State Champion Football Team in his senior year. He graduated from Rawlins High School in 2000. He then attended the University of Wyoming to study Business Administration. When he was not in class he would be watching his beloved Cowboys.

After school Jim started his restaurant career managing and owning several stores in Utah, Wyoming, and Colorado, where he was much loved by everyone he came into contact with. All of his employees would say he was not only a boss but a true leader, someone that they could always come to when times were tough. His favorite restaurant that he worked for by far was Red Lobster, where he met his beautiful bride, Jennifer Martin.

Jim and Jen were married July 16, 2022, at their cabin in the beautiful Colorado mountains, where Jim loved to retreat for peace and serenity. He resided in Denver, Colorado with his wife Jennifer and their four dogs: Rocky, Lady, Polar, and Billy.

Jim passed from this earthly life suddenly on June 14, 2025 at his home in Denver. James’ love of life and kind nature touched everyone that he came into contact with. He loved everyone and was always the goofiest one in the bunch, lighting up the room with his huge smile and “chipmunk cheeks”. He loved the Buffalo Bills and the Rockies. Jim and his wife spent much of their vacation time in Las Vegas, soaking up the sun and having a great time. James loved to travel and experience anything that was a new experience from food, sports events, concerts and shows to adrenaline inducing adventures. James was an exceptional person that was generous, loving, and selfless to the core. He will be missed and remembered by everyone in his life as the great and beautiful soul that we were just lucky enough to know and love.

James is survived by his wife Jennifer; his parents, Linden and Lisa Gustafson; his siblings, Amanda (Bernard) Garcia, Daniel (Mandy) Gustafson, Christopher (Kristen) Gustafson, Michael (Chelsea) Gustafson, and Cody Gustafson; his in-laws, Jerry and Krys Martin; three nephews, Eric, Terrin, and Benjamin, and six nieces, Emily, Lilly, Kaylee, McKenna, Rachel, and Avery. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents: Stanley Gustafson, Violet Gustafson, William Hainsworth, and Jeneal Hainsworth, his baby sister Kira Gustafson and niece Rebecca Hope Gustafson.

There will be a Celebration of Life for Jim on Tuesday the 24th of June from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the Link Recreation Center, 1295 South Reed Street, Lakewood, Colorado 80232. Please bring your stories and memories of Jim.