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Coddington III: To the beloved valley

My beloved community,

After graduating from college in Upstate New York, friends left a note at my residence inviting me to move to Colorado with them. I’m showing my age. This was before the advent of cell phones.

Back then, you’d use a camera to take photographs and ensure you have pocket change to make calls from a phone booth. I ended up moving to Estes Park. This was my introduction to the majesty of the Rocky Mountains. It was love at first sight!



From there I rode my bicycle with a friend cross country to return to New York to resume college. Before leaving, I knew that eventually I’d return to Colorado. After spending six years on the East Coast, in 1985 I moved to the Roaring Fork Valley thinking this would always be Home — emphasis on the capital “H.”

As you know, “life happens.” I took a few detours across the country before returning to the Roaring Fork Valley, an area I’ve always considered Home. I enjoyed being born and raised on Long Island. Yet, I consider myself a “semi-native” of Colorado. 




For nineteen years, I’ve absolutely loved living in the Roaring Fork Valley. I tell friends about the unique combination of benefits provided by living in a semi-rural area with the amenities of a big city. Recently, I left my beloved Carbondale with many fond memories to return home to be near my beloved mother. I’m fortunate to have lived in such a sacred area that provided me with a unique combination of spiritual, intellectual, emotional, physical, and social fulfillment. I’m sincerely appreciative of the friendships I’ve developed over the years.

I’m sending a heartfelt farewell to my beloved community of Carbondale and the Roaring Fork Valley.

Jim Coddington III

Saint James, NY