In the late summer of 2023, a sense of concern rippled through the community of Durango, Colorado, following the disappearance of 79-year-old James 'Jim' Shadid. An experienced outdoorsman and avid hunter, Shadid was reported missing on September 3rd after he failed to return from a hunting scout trip in the mountains near Purgatory Resort.
He had embarked on what was intended to be a brief, 90-minute excursion to scout for elk in the area between Little Elk Creek Trail and Elbert Creek Road, leaving a family member with his vehicle. Shadid, who was very familiar with the wilderness, uncharacteristically did not take any supplies with him, believing he would be back shortly. His family grew worried when he did not return as planned, sparking an immediate and extensive search effort in the vast and rugged San Juan Mountains.
The initial days of the search were marked by a significant mobilization of resources and a hopeful community spirit. La Plata County Search and Rescue, alongside numerous volunteers, tirelessly scoured the dense and challenging terrain. The operation utilized a variety of methods, including helicopters, drones, K9 units, and teams on foot, horseback, and ATVs. Despite these exhaustive efforts, which at one point included as many as 50 to 55 volunteers in a single day, very few clues as to Shadid's whereabouts emerged. He was last seen wearing a tan 'safari-style' hat and khaki pants. As the search stretched on with no significant breakthroughs, the mission's focus began to shift, reflecting the diminishing hope of finding him alive.
After eight days of intensive searching with no success, the official, organized search and rescue operations for James Shadid were suspended. The mission was reclassified as a search and recovery effort, a transition that brought a heavy sense of sorrow to his family and the community. Although the large-scale daily searches concluded, authorities remained open to following up on any new leads, and the community was encouraged to continue searching independently and safely. The family expressed their profound gratitude for the incredible efforts of the search teams and the outpouring of support from the community. In the absence of answers, they found a measure of peace in the belief that Shadid, a man who deeply loved the mountains, was at rest in the wilderness he so cherished. The case of James Shadid remains a poignant mystery, a testament to the unforgiving nature of the wilderness and the enduring spirit of a community that came together in a time of uncertainty.Last Seen: Sep 3, 2023
