Obituary of James Michael Johannes

James Michael Johannes 

 

James Michael “Mike” Johannes, age 77 of Greeley, Colorado, passed away peacefully at home on March 20, 2023. 

 

Mike was born in Gering, Nebraska on April 17, 1945, to John E. and Catherine (Abel) Johannes. He graduated from Gering High School in 1963 and attended the University of Northern Colorado and the University of Nebraska while working as a full-time manager for the Cooper Theater Foundation and raising a family. Mike returned to Greeley to open the Cooper Twin Theater in 1970. Through 10 years of persistent effort, Mike earned a B.S. in Accounting from the University of Northern Colorado. Mike was proud to have become a Certified Public Accountant, eventually starting his own accounting firm with partner Mike Frick. After the practice was sold, he continued working with other accounting firms and businesses in the area.

 

Mike enjoyed serving the community through deep involvement in Jaycees, The United States Junior Chamber, holding leadership positions at the local, state, and national level. His commitment to the community continued throughout his adult life with roles on the Greeley Stampede Rodeo Committee as well as other civic organizations. He enjoyed politics and stayed involved with local elections working hard for the candidates and issues he supported.

 

Mike enjoyed cooking for friends and family, even going so far as to volunteer in the kitchen at a local restaurant to up his skills. His hobbies also included playing golf and bridge, which often led to travel trips or weeks with friends in the mountains to play and socialize. Mike developed a great fondness for Vail after spending time there studying for his CPA exam, eventually going every year for a week during the colorful fall when the aspen trees turned, and the weather was perfect. 

 

Mike was married July 27, 1963, to Virginia Kay “Ginny” Welsch of Scottsbluff, NE. They had two children, Stephanie Michelle and son, James Michael “Mick” Johannes Jr. 

 

Mike is survived by life partner, Virginia Kay “Ginny” Johannes, of Greeley, CO. Daughter Stephanie and husband Michael Urbanowicz of Arvada, CO. Granddaughter Olivia Urbanowicz, MD, and husband Matthew Photides of Cincinnati, OH.

 

Son, James Michael “Mick” Johannes Jr., and his wife Jennifer (Christie) Johannes, their sons Christian and Zachary of Minnesota and brother Ronald Johannes and wife Helen of Sugarland, TX.

 

Mike will be remembered by his family during a private celebration of life.  In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Hard Beauty Foundation.  

https://www.hardbeautyfoundation.org/#home

 

Checks are accepted for donations!

They can be mailed to our headquarters, with the envelope addressed to Sara Dempsey and the address of 840 Kinner St, Castle Rock, CO 80109.

 

For more information contact Northern Colorado Crematorium.

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