James Arias Obituary

James E. Arias, one of Durango's leading restaurateurs, died Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2012, after a long battle with prostate cancer. He was 13 days shy of his 71st birthday.

Mr. Arias was born Jan. 31, 1941, to William and Yvonne Arias in Albuquerque. After high school at Holy Cross Abbey in Cañon City, he played football and earned a degree in recreation from the University of New Mexico in 1964.

During their "ski bum" days in Vail, Mr. Arias and Suzanne Reimann met. Opportunity led the couple to Durango in 1972, where they were married the next year.

In August 1972, Mr. Arias and his partner, Bill "Beatle" Abshagen opened the Ore House Restaurant in Durango. It was the beginning of a long and successful career in the restaurant business that included Pronto Pizza, Ariano's, Capers, Gazpacho, and the Ore House in Farmington and Cortez.

Friends, skiing, hunting and fishing, were Mr. Arias' passions, his family said.

Passing on traditions to his sons was important, they said. He adored his young grandsons and regretted the fact he would miss being part of their growing up, his family said.

He loved traveling and adventure and enjoyed the camaraderie of life.

"You could drop him off at the Mexican border without any money, and he'd beat you home and have better stories," said his son, Matt Arias.

Mr. Arias is survived by his wife of 38 years, Suzanne Arias; sons Matthew J. Arias and Andrew R. Arias, both of Durango; brother Allen R. Arias of Albuquerque; sisters Ellen Marie Arias of Santa Fe, and Yvonne Duer of Richmond, Calif.; and two grandsons.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date.