



1968
-
2025

On March 31, 2025, James Wyatt Sumner, our cherished husband, father, brother, son, and uncle passed away at the age of 57 after living with leiomyosarcoma for many years. He was at peace when he departed at home with his loving family by his side.
Jim, as he was known by his family and friends, was born on March 1, 1968 to James Weir Sumner and Patricia Wyatt Brownson. Jim spent much of his youth growing up in Longmont, Colorado creating lifelong memories with his two sisters that he cherished, Pam and Amanda. He enjoyed exploring the outdoors with his sisters, riding dirt bikes, playing the guitar, and was also known to get into some mischief now and then. A favorite family story is one of Jim going over a jump on his dirt bike with his very surprised grandma holding on for dear life on the back.
Jim attended the University of Denver where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree in Finance and became an enthusiastic DU hockey fan. Jim built a fulfilling and successful career in finance and retired as an assistant treasurer at Pinnacol Assurance in Denver.
Jim had a passion for riding motorcycles, finding joy and freedom in the open road. In 1993, Jim met the love of his life, Teresa. Excited to start their new life together, Jim sold a favorite motorcycle to buy an engagement ring for Teresa. They created a life filled with love and devotion enjoying a variety of adventures together during their 30 years of marriage. In 2000, they welcomed twins, Clayton and Samantha, who were the light of Jim’s life. His children gave him strength during difficult times and laughter and joy all of the time! He was so proud of Clayton and Samantha. When Samantha was accepted into physical therapy school, it was difficult to tell who was more excited…Jim or Samantha! Jim would make a point to tell Teresa, Clayton, and Samantha how much he loved and appreciated them as often as possible.
Music, movies, playing games, sipping a whiskey, philosophy, and lively debates with family and friends were also important parts of his life. Jim loved camping trips with family and friends and could always be counted on to bring bear spray due to his fierce fear of bears. Jim had a gift of working with his hands as evidenced by the work he did on his motorcycles as well as the numerous home improvement projects he did over the years often with Clayton by his side.
Jim touched the lives of those around him with his unwavering strength, courage, and resilience! Despite facing the numerous challenges of cancer, Jim remained a beacon of hope and inspiration to so many! He was blessed with many wonderful friendships throughout his life! From their time at DU through his fight with cancer, Jim’s life was better because of the time he spent with his best friend, also named Jim!
Known for his kindness, generosity, and hard work, Jim’s selflessness knew no bounds! He leaves a lasting mark on the hearts of family and friends! His legacy of love, dedication, and commitment will be cherished by all who had the privilege of sharing in his journey.
Jim is preceded in death by his father, Jim, his father’s wife, Sue, his mother’s husband, Darwin, and his mother-in-law, Lela. He is lovingly remembered by his wife, children, mother, father-in-law, sisters, sister-in laws, brother-in laws, nephews, niece, and best friend as well as the many extended family and friends who love him.
A Celebration of Jim’s life will be held this summer at a time and date TBD. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Camp Kesem (www.kesem.org), a life-changing experience for Clayton, Samantha and other children facing a parent’s cancer, or the National Leiomyosarcoma Foundation (www.nlmsf.org), providing education, advocacy, support, and research for the LMS community.