James Vern Counter
James Vern “Jim” Counter passed away Feb. 19, 2025, at his home in Superior, AZ, due to long term respiratory issues. His drumming has gone silent as he has laid down his sticks; however, he has left a legacy of tales for those who knew him. The sounds of woodworking tools are no longer buzzing, but many of his creations exist in other homes.
Jim was born in Salida, CO on June 12, 1960, to Robert Gilbert Counter and Velda Marie (Mitchell) Counter. Jim was raised in Salida graduating from Salida High School in 1978. After graduation, he found he was most comfortable in Arizona which is where he worked and explored particularly the older historic towns and beautiful canyons. Over the years, he gained a vast amount of knowledge about the geographic nature as well as history of Arizona. Being raised in Colorado amplified his interests in nature and history.
Throughout the years, he worked primarily in construction with his talents in building and woodworking. In most recent years he made custom furniture and art pieces placing them in shops in Sedona, Phoenix and Scottsdale areas. He had talent to sketch and draw whether it was animals, scenery or house plans.
His interests had always been playing in bands as a drummer. In his teenage years, he was part of several bands in and around Salida. He had a great love for the outdoors. In his younger days he had a passion for fast cars and motorcycles. In his last years, he purchased and cherished another fast car; however, at his age he had a bit more common sense to obey traffic laws.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Bob and Velda Counter; sister, Dianna McFarland; grandmothers, Hazel Corey Counter and Ruth Berkley Mitchell Knickerbocker; grandfathers, Ernest Mitchell and Perley Counter; step-grandfather, Tom Knickerbocker; and aunts, Alice Counter and Doris Sabo. Survivors include his children, Andrew Counter (Pam Essig), Robert Counter (Amber Williams), William Counter (Kayla), and Amanda Tate (Ben); great-grandchildren, Isabelle, Quinn, Elijah, Theodore, and Maxon; step-grandchildren, Christian, Malak, and Odin; brother, Don Counter (Peg) and children Don and Steve of Wisconsin; sister, Janette Blake (Don) of Salida; nephew, Mike McFarland (Lynae) and children Zoe, Hannah and Lizzy of California; and niece, Lisa Patterson (Jerimiah) and children Elisia and Gavin of Utah.
Cremation was chosen. Arrangements made by Superior Funeral Home, Superior Arizona.