James Roland Bishop, builder of the beloved Bishop Castle, dies at the age of 80

PUEBLO, Colo. — James “Jim” Roland Bishop, the Coloradan who built Bishop’s Castledied on Thursday at the age of 80, his family announced on Facebook.

Bishop spent 44 years of his life building the castle — located off State Highway 165 in the Rye area — that is now a staple of Colorado history. It began in 1971 as a 40-foot-long metal cylinder surrounded by stone. In 1972, Bishop was determined to build his castle, and the project took shape, changing and developing over the years.

The castle contains a fire-breathing dragon made of stone and metal. Inside there are three floors with interior rooms and soaring towers. The windows overlook the San Isabel National Forest.

The bishop never charged guests for visiting the castle.

BCr3ative photography

Before this architectural work was completed, Bishop devoted 44 years of his life to its construction. At age 79, he told Denver7 he’s ready for his next adventure: exploring our beautiful state. This included Rocky Mountain National Park, which he had never visited before.

But he needed an adaptive wheelchair to do this.

Denver7 Gives helped him achieve this achievement. Our viewers raised enough money to pay for not one, but two adaptive wheelchairs. Bishop would have such a person and call a local nonprofit Always choose adventures the other he will keep and lend to anyone in need free of charge.

“Thank you very much,” said the Bishop. “It’s like freedom.”

In August 2023, he visited RMNP for the first time.

Bishop was surrounded by loved ones when he died in Pueblo on Thursday, Bishop’s family said on Facebook. Information about funeral and memorial services will be provided at a later date.

Bishop Castle fans are starting to share memorial tributes to him and his artwork on social media Discover Colorado | Through the Your Photos group on Facebook.