James Patrick CoxJim Cox, 65, died April 2, 2017 as a result of cancer. Jim was born on March 6, 1952 in Ortonville, MN to Therese (Marier) and James L. Cox. Jim was the oldest of 7 children and grew up in cities around the Midwest. He played sports in high school, and was inspired to become a musician by the Motown sound he heard at high school dances. This love of music led him to playing guitar and singing in coffee houses with his brother Joe, and later co-founding various bands. Local bands included "Sky High and the Scrapers" and "The Mojystics." Jim earned a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science and Master's Degrees in Counseling Psychology and Public Policy/Urban Analysis.Jim called himself a Gardener of Plants and People. His vocation was service to those who didn't have privilege, which guided his career. He served others starting with the job of Camp Counselor at Camp Blue Sky for emotionally challenged youth, through his positions at Jewish Vocational Services in Chicago, and in Fort Collins at Community Corrections, Probation, Fort Collins Housing Authority, and on the ACT team at Summitstone Health Center. Jim loved to deeply connect with his clients on a spiritual and emotional level, humbly giving far beyond what was expected for the positions he held. Thanks to help from friends, The Soul Garden, a new landscape plan for his home, was completed just days before his death. In 1983, Jim married Maria McLain, and together they left Chicago and moved to Ft. Collins. Their children Jonah, Connor and Madeleine were born here. Jim and his family enjoyed travelling together, most memorably to Egypt, Nepal and Chile. Other interests included cooking, snowshoeing, bicycling, hiking, movies and conversation, especially about politics and spirituality. Jim was a deeply loving husband and father.Jim was a lifelong Catholic, and for the past 30 years deepened his spirituality through retreats at Snowmass Monastery and his connection with a close spiritual community of friends.Jim also thought of his vocation as "The Ambassador of Gratitude". Jim's experience of living with 3 cancers brought more joy and gratitude to his awareness. He was often heard to say "Today's the day." And while he deeply grieved leaving this world, he often told us, "I'm the luckiest guy." Jim's parents and brother Tom predecease him. He is survived by his immediate family, as well as his siblings Mary Cox (John Kerans), Joe (Dannikka) Cox, Dan (Suzy) Cox, Jean Cox, and John (Molly) Cox. Jim is also survived by Maria's family Pat (Karmu) McLain, Monica Ritzdorf, Paul Ritzdorf; and aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews, friends and colleagues.The service to remember and celebrate Jim will be at Timberline Church on April 11, 2017 at 11:00 a.m., reception following. Memorials to honor Jim are welcome to "Love Will Find A Way," in care of Allnutt Funeral Service, 650 W. Drake Road, Fort Collins, CO. 80526. Love Will Find a Way is a nonprofit that funds Saturday Morning, feeding the homeless on Saturdays when other services are limited.Family and friends are invited to sign the online guestbook and leave a personal note to the family at www.allnutt.com