James
James Arias
d. January 18, 2012
Obituary for James E. Arias
Durango businessman James E. Arias died Wednesday, January 18, 2012, after a long battle with prostate cancer.
Jim was born on January 31, 1941, to William and Yvonne Arias in Albuquerque, N.M. After high school at Holy Cross Abbey in Canon City, Colo., he played football and earned a degree in Recreation from the University of New Mexico in 1964.
During their “ski bum” days in Vail, Colo., Jim met Suzanne Reimann and opportunity led them to Durango in 1972. They married there the following year.
In August 1972 Jim and his partner, Bill “Beatle” Abshagen opened the Ore House Restaurant. It was the beginning of a long and successful career in the restaurant business; including Pronto Pizza, Ariano’s, Capers, Gazpacho, and the Ore House in Farmington, N.M., and Cortez.
Friends, skiing, hunting, fishing, and more friends were Jim’s passions. Passing on traditions to his sons was important. He adored his young grandsons and regretted the fact he would miss being part of their growing up. He loved travel and adventure and the camaraderie of life. His son Matt tells, “You could drop him off at the Mexican border without any money, and he’d beat you home and have better stories!”
Mr. Arias is survived by: his wife of thirty eight years Suzanne Arias, sons Matthew J. Arias and Andrew R. Arias, grandsons Emmett and Owen Arias, all of Durango, brother Allen R. Arias of Albuquerque, and sisters Yvonne Duer of Richmond, Calif., and Ellen Marie Arias of Santa Fe, N.M.
A memorial service will be announced at a later date.
Jim was born on January 31, 1941, to William and Yvonne Arias in Albuquerque, N.M. After high school at Holy Cross Abbey in Canon City, Colo., he played football and earned a degree in Recreation from the University of New Mexico in 1964.
During their “ski bum” days in Vail, Colo., Jim met Suzanne Reimann and opportunity led them to Durango in 1972. They married there the following year.
In August 1972 Jim and his partner, Bill “Beatle” Abshagen opened the Ore House Restaurant. It was the beginning of a long and successful career in the restaurant business; including Pronto Pizza, Ariano’s, Capers, Gazpacho, and the Ore House in Farmington, N.M., and Cortez.
Friends, skiing, hunting, fishing, and more friends were Jim’s passions. Passing on traditions to his sons was important. He adored his young grandsons and regretted the fact he would miss being part of their growing up. He loved travel and adventure and the camaraderie of life. His son Matt tells, “You could drop him off at the Mexican border without any money, and he’d beat you home and have better stories!”
Mr. Arias is survived by: his wife of thirty eight years Suzanne Arias, sons Matthew J. Arias and Andrew R. Arias, grandsons Emmett and Owen Arias, all of Durango, brother Allen R. Arias of Albuquerque, and sisters Yvonne Duer of Richmond, Calif., and Ellen Marie Arias of Santa Fe, N.M.
A memorial service will be announced at a later date.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James Arias, please visit our flower store.
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