James Patrick O’Rourke, 62, died Tuesday, January 2, 2018 at his home in Holcomb. He was born August 28, 1955 in Pueblo, Colorado the son of John Joseph & Anna Katherine (Tressler) O’Rourke.
James grew up in Walsenburg, Colorado where he attended school. After graduating from Walsenburg High School in 1973, he attended Lamar Junior College. He graduated from there in 1975. James returned to Walsenburg where he worked in the coal mine for a short period of time. He moved to the Garden City and Holcomb area in 1982 and has lived here since. James had worked for IBP/Tyson for 31 years as a production specialist. He enjoyed watching TV especially football. He also enjoyed playing baseball in his younger years and coaching his son’s traveling basketball team for several years.
On June 21, 1986, James married LaVerne Cruz in Garden City, Kansas. She survives. Other survivors include 4 children John Joseph O’Rourke of Hastings, Nebraska, James Patrick O’Rourke, Jr. of Chesapeake, Virginia, Byron Leigh O’Rourke of Garden City, Kansas, and Tiffany Amber O’Rourke of Garden City, Kansas; 2 Step-Children Jeremy Adrian Martinez of Lincoln, Nebraska and Cheryl Lynn Bunce of Salina, Kansas; and 7 Grandchildren. James is preceded in death by his parents and a brother Larry Keith O’Rourke.
A private family interment will take place at a later date in Walsenburg, Colorado. There will be no calling hours.