Western Region - Regional Reports - Obituary

Parks & Recreation, April, 2003

Better known as Jim" to all those who knew, worked and loved him, James Andrew Colley, past president of the National Recreation and Park Association, died after a long battle with cancer in March at the age of 70. Born in Alabama and the proud son of a farmer, Colley took his dedication for hard work, love of family and sense of strong community with him throughout his 40 years of service as a parks and recreation professional. He also served as a Marine in Korea. Following his honorable discharge, he completed his undergraduate degree in health, physical education and recreation in 1959. Shortly thereafter, he obtained a master's degree from the University of Georgia. Upon the completion of his graduate studies, Colley began an impressive and lengthy career in the field of parks and recreation with the Georgia Parks and Recreation Society. His career path led him to the Virginia Parks and Recreation Department, and finally to being director of the Phoenix Parks, Recreation and Library Department in 1979. Among his collection of numerous awards were the National Recreation and Park Association Distinguished Service Award, Meritorious Service Award and, most recently, Life Trustee Award. He was also the recipient of the prestigious National Cornelia Pugsley Award of Merit. He is credited for adding more than 30,000 acres of parks, pools, recreation centers, special park facilities and more than 3,000 acres of "flatland parks."

Parks and recreation lost one its leaders-by-example recently with the passing of Dan Felix in Tucson. Felix served the recreation and leisure needs of the Tucson community for 31 years, as department director for 10 of those years at Pima County, and five years in Tucson. His career started in 1972 as recreation program supervisor with Pima County. He joined the city in 1999. Tucson City Manager James Keene said, "The effort and leadership Dan put into his work will be felt here for many years to come. Throughout his battle with cancer, he never let up trying to help our community and serving the public."

Described by Assistant City Manager Liz Miller as a "pretty amazing human being," he leaves behind a legacy of achievements at the county and city levels.