James Victor Conover

March 1, 1967 ~ June 7, 2010
James Victor Conover, 43, passed away at his home in Cortez, CO, on June 7, 2010.
James was born March 1, 1967, in Cortez, the son of Sandra Kay (Hill) Hamilton and Michael Orris Murphy. He was raised in both Cortez and Blanding, UT.
As an independent young man, he moved to Seattle, WA, where he spent about ten years learning the ropes and becoming an expert in numerous construction trades.
He later moved to Nashville, TN and continued the physical construction work which he loved and always kept him busy.
Small in stature but big in heart, he returned to Cortez in 2006, where he spent the last four years developing greater family bonds and a strong relationship with his son, Gavin Duran.
James was full of life with a passion compared to no other. He was fearless, living each and every moment that way; comfortable in his own skin, and never afraid to stand up for what he believed in.
Always an adventurer, James loved barbequing, playing poker, laughing, smiling and teasing, and spending time visiting with family and friends.
He is survived by his son, Gavin Duran, of Cortez; mother, Sandra Hamilton, and husband, Ronald, of Cortez; father, Michael Murphy, and wife, Christine Christensen, of Blanding, UT; brother, Sean, and wife, Heidi, of Blanding, UT; sister, Trena Brown, of Mesa, AZ; stepbrothers and sisters Nicky, Cassie, Michael and Tiana Christensen; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.
He is preceded in death by sister, Connie Nelson, and brother, Barry Murphy.
A memorial service was held Saturday, June 12, at the Montezuma Valley Presbyterian Church in Cortez.