James Lee Roemer Sr.

Article Last Updated; Saturday, October 31, 2009 12:01AM

Former Durango resident James Lee Roemer Sr. died at his home in Mancos on Friday, Oct. 30, 2009. He was 64.

Known as "Roemer," he was born to George and Helen (Roth) Roemer in Livingston, Mont., on April 26, 1945.

Mr. Roemer served in the Navy, doing three tours in Vietnam. He worked as an outfitter for a dude ranch. He loved his horses Jake and Whiskey.

"In his free time," his family wrote, "he enjoyed handling guns and working with leather as well as a good cold beer or a drink of whiskey." Mr. Roemer was preceded in death by the mother of his children, Rose Norris.

He is survived by his mother, Helen Roemer, of Phoenix; son, Buck Roemer, of Mancos; daughter, Vanessa Varner, of Tucson, Ariz.; stepchildren Amber Porre of Tucson and Kristine DeWitt, Penny Kitchen, Jennifer Kitchen and Charlie Kitchen, all of Mulberry Grove, Ill.; companion, Deb Riddle, of Mancos; and 15 grandchildren.

Cremation will occur. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Condolences may be sent to the family c/o P.O. Box 1251, Mancos, CO 81321 or at www.ertelfuneralhome.com in the obituary section.