Chris James Martinez

Chris “Jim” Martinez passed away on January 14 after a short illness. 

A proud 6th generation Coloradan and a great grandson of Kit Carson, Jim was born on October 17, 1951 in Alamosa, Colorado to Lawrence and Lucy Martinez. He attended Alamosa High School and Adams State College. 

Following college, Jim moved to Denver where he and his brother, Larry, lived in the “El Rancho Delux”, a bachelor pad in Glendale that became known as the central, after-hours party palace, particularly after closing hours at the Bull & the Bush. 

During those years, Jim also became dear friends with and toured as a roadie with the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band - - a gig that led to spending time on the road with the Judds. 

Jim became friends and started working with political consultant Eddie “Fast Eddie” Graham where he became a well-known political advisor in Denver helping many successful political candidates. He was then hired and served as a fiercely loyal advisor to the Honorable Wellington E. Webb for more than 20 years; first in the Denver Auditor’s Office and during his three terms as Mayor of Denver. Jim was one of the key frontline advisors for Mayor Webb’s successful and famous ‘tennis shoe’ campaign in 1991 when he was first elected Mayor. 

During his time working for Mayor Webb, Jim worked on major events such as World Youth Day and Pope John Paul’s visit, the Denver Summit of the Eight, the Avalanche Stanley Cup Parade, the Bronco’s Superbowl Parades and many, many more. 

He was a key negotiator on all sports related issues including the opening of Coors Field and the negotiations for the new Mile High Stadium and the Pepsi Center. 

In Mayor Webb’s last term he served as the Deputy Director of the Mayor’s office of Economic Development and International Trade where he spearhead the openings of Denver’s trade offices in Shanghai, China, Osaka, Japan and London, UK. 

Jim also proudly served as an advance person for Vice President Al Gore on diplomatic missions to India, Saudi Arabia, Russia, China and Greece. 

Through all of his successes, he always felt his greatest achievement was the birth of his son Kelly who he was incredibly proud. A perfect day for Jim was spending quality time with his son. 

Jim will be terribly missed. In politics and government he was always the voice for the underdog, advocating for underserved communities across Denver. His smile and enthusiasm lit up every room he entered. He was a loyal and generous son, father and brother, and had friends and admirers around the world. His second family was his cigar-smoking buddies at the Smoking Cave where he taught everyone that people of diverse political beliefs can disagree without being disagreeable.

He is survived by his mother, his son Kellan; his brother Larry Martinez (Sherry); his sister Betty Jo McWilliams (Tom McWilliams); and several nieces and nephews. He also respected, loved and remained close with his ex-wife, Teri Sinopoli.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your charity of choice in Jim's name and memory.

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