Jimmy Underwood

Jim Underwood, 66, of Aurora, Colorado passed away Wednesday, April 20, 2022. God took him to heaven in the way he always wanted, playing golf with friends, fast and without pain. As a Christian man and avid golfer, when welcomed to heaven sooner than his family and friends would have wished, he likely let everyone know that he got to heaven in one shot.

He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Kim Underwood, his children and their spouses, Jayme & Jonathan Miller, Eryn & David Scott, Ryan & Kim Underwood, and Mack Underwood. He is also survived by his grandchildren Kadin Underwood, Hannah Scott, AJ Miller, Cailtyn Miller, Kaleb Underwood, and Kiefer Scott.

He was born on April 14, 1956 in Inglewood, California to the late Weldon Underwood and Dolores Underwood-Bowers. He graduated from Cañon City High School, was named a prep All-American and received a basketball scholarship to the University of Northern Colorado. He joined the Air Force ROTC unit in Greeley. Most importantly, he met and married the love of his life Kim Griffin with whom they shared 44 amazing years, raised four children and six grandchildren.

Upon graduating college, he was commissioned into the Air Force as a Second Lieutenant. Jim served 21 years in the United States Air Force, from 1978 – 1999, retiring as a Lt. Colonel. His military career took him around the world from California, Illinois, Oklahoma, South Dakota and Alaska to serving as a liaison officer to the Royal Thai Air Force as well as a special operations officer in England. He finished his military career as the commanding officer of the Air Force ROTC Unit and Professor of Aerospace Science at Iowa State University ,where he was able to effectively delegate and motivate junior officers to lead the cadets so that he could perfect his golf game at the "orbital lab".

He was a principal of an investment firm which he helped found in 2007, and was a Denver Deputy Sheriff for over 10 years before retiring in 2019 so he could enjoy more time pursuing his life's passions: family, golf and travel.

He was an avid golfer, playing below a two handicap during his prime with an unorthodox swing, amazing drive and deadly accuracy when approaching greens coupled with an incredible short game and putting. When complimented on an amazing shot his favorite response was "fluke." Upon retiring he claimed a 7.8 handicap, fostering many invitations to Pro-Ams and other competitions where he won several tournaments. He loved traveling and playing the world's great golf courses including Pebble Beach, St. Andrews, Sawgrass, Firestone and more. Some of his favorite courses in Colorado were Arrowhead, Bear Dance, the Omni, Fossil Trace and the River Course in Keystone. He passed away on his home course, Meadow Hills, where he played in the men's league and worked as a Golf Marshal.

Jim was committed to working and providing for his family throughout his entire life. During special times with loved ones over a glass of Scotch he often said: "Life is Good". Because of Jim, many people's lives are good. He will be missed and lovingly remembered. Thanks to Jesus Christ's abounding grace and eternal gift of life, we wish him safe travels until we meet again. Cheers.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Wounded Warriors Project in memory of Jim Underwood.