James "Jake" W. Arthur, M.D.

James “Jake” W. Arthur, MD, 63, of Centennial, CO died unexpectedly at home on March 4, 2022. Jake was born in Denver, CO to James H. and Jean Arthur in 1958 and grew up with his siblings, Charley, Wally, Mary and Liz. After graduating from Culver Military Academy in 1977, Jake became an avid outdoorsman, leading month-long outdoor courses in Wyoming with the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) from 1983 to 1987. Jake graduated with a B.S. in Biology from the University of Colorado (CU) in 1983. He then earned an MS in Construction Management from Colorado State University, graduating in 1989, and went on to work for Craftsman Construction Management from 1989-1991. Ultimately dissatisfied with this career pathway, he attended CU Medical School graduating at the top of his class in 1996. While in medical school he married Cindy Anderson and together they had two children (Paige and Troy).  He completed his internship and residency in Internal Medicine at the CU Health Sciences Center from 1996-1999. He practiced Internal Medicine with New West Physicians (NWP) from 1999 until his retirement in 2021. During his time at NWP   he met and married Julie Lawless. Jake was devoted to his patients and felt that practicing medicine was an honor and privilege. He was well loved by all his patients and professionally a valued and respected member of the medical community.

Jake enjoyed many hobbies which included reading,music, hiking, backpacking, fishing, skiing, gardening, home projects, practical jokes and cooking. He was well known for his signature ‘home cooked dinners’. These dinners were often referred to as “The best restaurant in town!” His mashed potatoes and strawberry- rhubarb pies were highly requested menu items.

Jake shared the beauty and serenity of the wilderness with his family. Julie and he were regular hikers in both Colorado and Utah. He proudly enjoyed annual backpacking trips to the Wind River Mountains with his son Troy and his friend Anton (who is considered part of the family). Paige discovered a passion for the outdoors and joined them in the summer of 2021.  Jake created memories that will last their lifetimes.

Jake is survived by his wife Julie Arthur, children Paige Arthur and Troy Arthur; siblings Wally Arthur (Jacci Geiger); Mary Arthur (Rob Paratley); Liz Arthur; nieces Olivia Arthur, Lucy Arthur-Paratley, Sara Arthur-Paratley and Kestrel Gordon; nephews Zach Arthur and Sam Arthur. Jake is preceded in death by his brother Charley Arthur.

Jake lived with integrity, kindness, compassion, generosity and a sense of humor. He cherished and loved his family and friends. Jake will be missed.

Memorials may be given to the CPHP (Colorado Physicians Health Program). https://cphp.org