Jim Ingram, a Colorado State University veterinarian who parlayed his suturing skills into a philanthropic sewing hobby, died May 26 at home in Fort Collins. He was 94.
For many years, Ingram sewed colorful hats that he donated, 100 at a time, to Sky High Hope Camp, a week-long summer camp for children with cancer. He was enthusiastic about the camp’s ability to provide an outdoor experience and medical support to its attendees, and he visited each year while he was able.James Thomas Ingram was born April 16, 1925, in Rawlins, Wyoming, to John E. and Clare Ingram. Upon graduating from high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was assigned to the 17th Airborne Division, 194th Glider Infantry. Ingram fought in Europe during World War II, landing behind enemy lines in a glider in 1945 as part of Operation Varsity. He was injured during the Battle of the Bulge, and received the Purple Heart.Ingram returned to Wyoming and worked at the Brush Creek Ranch near Saratoga, where he became interested in veterinary medicine. He attended CSU on the G.I. Bill, living for a time in the Field House when it had a dirt floor. In 1952, he returned to Saratoga and went into private practice.
At CSU’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Ingram worked as a surgeon in the large animal clinic, beginning in 1957, and established the neurology specialty in 1973. He retired in 1996.
He and his wife, Peggy, who survives him, married in 1969. They had recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Other survivors include his children, Tim Olson of Austin, Texas; Nancy Moreland and husband Mark of Pella, Iowa; Jenny Ingram of Washington, D.C.; and Sarah Abbott and husband Brett of Longmont; three grandchildren; and sister Pauline Ingram of Sinsinawa, Wisconsin.
A mass of Christian burial is planned at 8:30 a.m. Thursday, June 6, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 300 W. Mountain Avenue, Fort Collins. A celebration of life reception will be held from 9-11 a.m. Friday, June 7, at the First United Methodist Church, 1005 Stover Street, Fort Collins. A private family burial at Fort Logan National Cemetery is also planned.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Sky High Hope Camp, c/o Limb Preservation Foundation, 925 S. Niagara St, Suite 610, Denver CO 80224; or to Pathways Hospice.
