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Obituary for James W. Langley, M.D.
James Wallace Langley, M.D. 1933-2021
James Wallace “Doc” Langley died peacefully at home surrounded by family of cancer, Sunday Nov. 7, 2021. He was 88. James was predeceased by both his first wife Margaret (Lyons) and his second wife Sheri (Orr). He was attended at death by his beloved friend Lucy Danenhauer. In addition, survivors include four daughters and six sons: Roseanne Martin (Regis), Annette Langley, Jeanette Roberts (Mark), Barbara Fischer (Charles), James Langley (Lisa), Joseph Langley, John Langley (Jessica), Stephen Langley (Joan), Michael Langley (Laura), and Mark Langley (Stephanie). Doc was the proud grandfather of 72 grandchildren and great grandfather to 53 great grandchildren. He is survived by his brother, Ronald Langley.
Doc devoted his life to the study and practice of family medicine with specialties in geriatrics and sports medicine. He graduated in the class of 1957 from the University of Michigan Medical School and moved with his small family to Denver. After a residency at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Denver, James conducted a family practice from medical offices at 940 Oak St. in Thornton from 1958 to 1986. He held privileges at St. Anthony’s Central and delivered the first baby to be born at St. Anthony’s North at its original location. While inactive, he continued to study medicine. All of Doc’s medical licenses were current at the time of his death.
He was among the founders of Thornton’s first bank, North Valley State Bank established in 1963, now the oldest community bank in Colorado.
An instrument rated pilot licensed for both planes and helicopters, James established Skybird Air, a charter service flying out of Jefferson County Airport. Clients included film crews scouting locations, personages such as news anchor Walter Cronkite, and celebrity musicians.
James was born Jan. 27, 1933 in Detroit to parents James Monroe and Mildred E. Langley. As a young man he followed his father’s footsteps and was employed summers at Ford Motor Company while in college. The family moved to a farm in Litchfield, Michigan that James worked during the week while his father commuted to Ford in Detroit. He graduated Litchfield High School class of 1950.
Visitation will be held at the Chapel at Ellis Family Services in Littleton on Thursday, Nov. 11 at 5:00 p.m. with Recitation of the Rosary beginning at 6:30 p.m. Funeral mass will be said at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Golden at 10 a.m. James will be interred at Golden Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Chesterton Academy of Our Lady of Walsingham (https://olwclassical.org/donate).
