OVERLAND PARK, KANSAS – James Henry Bornemann died August 22, 2025. He was born June 2, 1940, in Torrington to Rev. William Henry Bornemann and Leona Michaelsen Bornemann.
Jim attended Goshen County Community College where his art instructor, Keith Dennis, encouraged him to pursue his artistic talents at Fort Hays (Kansas) State University. There, he was awarded a basketball scholarship and received his B.S. and master’s degrees in art education. He also met the love of his life, Nancy Elizabeth Smith, on a blind date. Jim’s father officiated their wedding on August 18, 1963, in Nancy’s hometown of Garden City, Kansas.
They made their home in Lakewood, and later, Littleton, Colorado where they raised three daughters.
Jim dedicated his career to education and mentorship, spending the majority of his professional life teaching art at Columbine High School, where he also coached track and field and golf. He became a respected watercolor artist and was an invited member of the Colorado Watercolor Society.
In June 1996, Jim and Nancy retired to Nathrop, Colorado, where Jim designed and built their favorite house at the base of the Collegiate Peaks Mountain range. He became part owner of an art gallery, and spent as much time as possible fishing, hunting and exploring. In 2022, the couple relocated to Overland Park, Kansas to be closer to family.
Jim was a great husband, father, grandfather and father figure to many. He is survived by his sister Marcia (Ron) Pfister of Denver; his three daughters, Angela Lynne (Douglas Blakely) McCorkle of Brighton, Colorado; Lisa Marie (Timothy Lee) Coghan of Overland Park, Kansas; and Melanie Sue (Sandy Ray) Shepherd of Aurora; seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Nancy in July 2025; and siblings Keith Lewallen, Lynne (Jim) Thomas and Dorothy Sue (John) Snell.
