James Vern Counter

June 12, 1960 – February 19, 2025

Jim Counter passed away February 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 & 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 & 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 & 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 & 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 & 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 & Velda Counter. Sister Dianna McFarland. Grandmothers Hazel Corey Counter; Ruth Berkley Mitchell Knickerbocker. Grandfathers Ernest Mitchell and Perley Counter, Step Grandfather Tom Knickerbocker, Aunts Alice Counter & 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) children Don & Steve of Wisconsin. Sister Janette Blake (Don) of Salida. Nephew Mike McFarland (Lynae) children Zoe, Hannah & Lizzy of California. Niece Lisa Patterson (Jerimiah) children Elisia & Gavin of Utah. Cremation was chosen. Arrangements made by Superior Funeral Home, Superior Arizona.