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James Mendenhall Obituary

Mendenhall
James A.
Mendenhall
June 3, 2025

James Alphon Mendenhall, "The Big Kahuna," left this world on June 3, 2025 at the age of 92. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who lived a life marked by service, dedication, and passion.
James honorably served in both the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Marine Corps as a fighter pilot, a role that underscored his love for his country and his commitment to duty. He later flew for United Airlines.
After his piloting days, James co-founded Gertsch-Mendenhall, Inc., a prominent homebuilding company that left a lasting impact on Colorado Springs, Cheyenne, Laramie, and Rock Springs. He later ventured into the financial sector as a key figure at Intermountain Mortgage in Colorado Springs, where he helped many families achieve their dream of homeownership.
Beyond his professional and military accomplishments, James was an avid golfer. He spent many joyful hours on the golf course, where he enjoyed not just the game but also the companionship of fellow golfers. His favorite courses were Colorado Springs Country Club, The Wigwam, and Union Hills Country Club. He was very proud to be shooting his age into his 80's.
James is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Veon D'Ete LaClair. They met as teenagers when friends set them up on a blind date. They spent their retirement years enjoying many adventures on many cruise ships.
He is also survived by his daughters, Carla (Dean) Sanderson, Jamie (Marc) Johnson, and Michelle (Marc) Del Rosario. He was a proud grandfather to six grandchildren: Matthew Sanderson, Melissa (Paul) Johnson, Emilee (Ben) Minnick, Andrew (Maria) Johnson, Andre Del Rosario and Brooke Del Rosario and five great-grandchildren: Wyatt, Morgan, Nolan, Dean and Halle who enjoyed his silly antics.
His family remembers him as a guiding light full of wisdom, warmth, and love. He set high expectations for his daughters and we thank him for that.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Chloe Hazel Freeman Mendenhall, his father, Alphon Charles Mendenhall, and his sister, Peggy Brunkhorst.
James's life was a testament to his strong values and his commitment to his family and community. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
We would like to thank the nurses at Brookdale Skyline and Greenwood Village Memory Care and Bloom Hospice for their compassionate care.
A memorial service will be held at Omaha National Cemetery at a later date, where friends and family will gather to honor his memory. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society in James's memory.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Gazette on Jun. 12, 2025.

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Doug Millhollin

June 14, 2025

I can still hear Jim´s infectious laugh, his smile, and a jolly greeting. I always knew Jim with golf attire on, as we spent many Saturdays playing in the Banditos group at Colorado Springs Country Club. My father Bruce and Jim were life-long friends. My condolences to the Mendenhall family.

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