James Edward Rumney Jr.

James Edward Rumney

Memorial services will be held for James E. Rumney, Jr. of Hot Springs, SD on Saturday, March 28, 2009 at 3:00 p.m. at the Mueller Civic Center Theater with John Davis officiating. Jim died at the Hospice of the Hills in Rapid City, SD March 23, 2009 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Jim was born May 29, 1939 to James Edward Rumney, Sr. A.K.A. Eddie and Gladys (Black) Rumney. He began life on the family ranch 45 miles north of Lusk, WY. The ranch was located on Lance Creek just above where it joined the Cheyenne River. Their first home was located near the Spencer Post Office where Gladys was the post mistress. His formal education began at the Cheyenne River School where friendships were formed that lasted a lifetime. He attended Niobrara County High School in Lusk, WY where he boarded during the week at the home of Mrs. Hassad along with his good friend and neighbor up the creek John Wasserburger. Jim enjoyed football and track. He graduated in 1957 continuing his education at the University of Wyoming in Laramie, concentrating on Agriculture.

Jim enjoyed all livestock but concentrated on Hereford cattle. In 1948 at the age of nine his father purchased purebred Hereford heifers for each of his children. That heifer was the foundation of what would become Rumney Herefords. Jim was active in 4-H. This gave him a local showcase for developing his herd. He also fine tuned his skills judging cattle and won a national trip to Chicago as one of the members of the Wyoming State 4-H Judging Team at the age of 14. As Jim developed his herd he added outside bloodlines from other herds. One notable addition was in 1972 Jim and Si West brought the first straight line 1 bull to Eastern Wyoming. This bull proved to be a herd changer. In 1984 he sold the heart of his herd to his future son-in-law, Andy Federle. Through the years he was always ready with practical advice and wisdom when Andy needed it. Jim also put his trained eye to work as an order buyer at local livestock auctions.

Jim married Barie Lee Kraft March 13, 1959 in Hot Springs. They had three daughters, Holly De; Fara Elaine and Lark Suzzanne. In 1975 Jim and Barie Lee dedicated their lives to Jehovah God through water baptism. Jim was looking to slow down and move closer to a congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses. They looked at different properties before they chose an acreage south of Hot Springs and moved the fall of 1988. Jim still ran cows and yearlings on the Tom Landers ranch. He put up and sold hay in the summer and did consignment mechanic work. Barie Lee died June of 1997. Jim began traveling, something he loved to do. He made time to visit the southern states.

He met and courted the second love of his life, Dell Conger. They were married October 31, 1999 in Hot Springs. Jim and Dell did construction work, painted homes and businesses, but their specialty was masonry tile work. They did beautiful work for many pleased customers. Jim was a true renaissance man. Jim and Dell were able to fit travel time into their busy schedule, visiting friends, family and ten of the National Parks. Both of them were very cordial, hospitable hosts. They welcomed and looked forward to visitors. Jim enjoyed playing cards, he and Dell had many games which they both liked to win. The last few weeks of his life were spent surrounded by friends and family who loved him very much.

Jim is survived by his wife Dell; daughters, Holly (Andy) Federle; Fara (Joe) Falkenburg; Lark (Ed) Tabbert; brother, Raymond (Betty) Rumney; sister, Elizabeth (Betty) LaToush; brother, Dean Rumney and grandson, Max Federle.

Jim was preceded in death by parents, Eddie and Gladys Rumney, and his wife, Barie Lee.

A memorial has been established and contributions may be sent to the Rumney Family, 27764 Himmelwright Road, Hot Springs, SD 57747.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Hot Springs. Written condolences can be made at www.mccolleyschapels.com.

Images & Attachments

Related/Linked Records