Jack Arthur Calhoon

Jack Arthur Calhoon was born in Dolores, Colo., the son of Elva (Coppingger) and Elwin Calhoon and passed away on January 2nd, 2025 at the age of 89. He is preceded in death by his mother, father, and six siblings (Ed, Bobbi, Marge, Kate, Onalee and Jr.).

“Tug” as he was known by to his family and friends was a wonderful, kind, and loving person that always put others ahead of himself. He served his country as a mechanic in the Army and was an integral part of the atomic bomb testing in Nevada at only 19 years old. He married Charlene Goodall while in the service and they had two children, Denice and Duane. He had two grandchildren. Desmond Calhoon and Krisyn Spruell as well as two great-grandchildren Kaydence and Abrie Spruell, all of whom currently reside in Cortez. “Tug” was one of seven children and though he never met his dad he was a wonderful, patient and understanding father. 

He has lived with his daughter since moving back to Cortez from Deltona, Florida in 2008. His life has been filled with a lot of joy and happiness. Many gatherings with family and friends gave him a strong sense of belonging. He retired from working in the oil field before moving to Florida. There he did home remodeling and loved to visit Sea World. He enjoyed taking rides where he loved seeing the surrounding area and would reminisce about his experiences living and growing up here, especially water skiing and boating at Narraguinnep lake. 

My dad “Tug”, was always an optimistic and uplifting person to be around. He saw the good in everyone and would do anything he could even for a complete stranger. Every evening he’d tell me that “Today was a Good Day, wasn’t it?” and I’d always reply by saying “it still is”…then we’d both smile. Can’t help thinking of the beautiful song lyrics, “What if God was one of us…just a stranger on the bus trying to make his way home.” We are so blessed and lucky to have shared his seat on that bus whether for a moment or a lifetime.