JAMES RAMER

BIG SANDY - James Evan "Jim" Ramer, 68, local farmer and rancher and Navy veteran, died Sunday, March 16, 2003, at a Big Sandy medical center of heart failure.

Cremation has taken place. The memorial service is 2 p.m. Thursday at the Big Sandy High School Auditorium with Bishop Thad Willis officiating. The burial of the cremat-

ed remains will follow the memorial service with full military honors at the Big Sandy Cemetery. There will be a fellowship luncheon at the Big Sandy Senior Center following the committal rite.

Jim was born to Joe and Marjorie "Marge" (Newell) Ramer on June 26, 1934, in Denver, Colo. He grew up in different mining towns in Colorado and Wyoming. He graduated from Reliance High School in Reliance, Wyo., in 1952. He joined the Navy in 1953.

While in Los Angeles, Calif., he met Shirley May Trunk from Big Sandy. They fell in love and were married in June of 1955 in Los Angeles. They were blessed with three children. Jim was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1966 with the rank of fire control technician first class. He was a distinguished veteran and earned many medals and honors. In 1966, he and his family moved to Big Sandy, where they farmed and ranched for more than 30 years until his death.

Jim loved to fish, drink coffee with his friends, and spend time with his family. He loved supporting his children and grandchildren in their many endeavors. He was an active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion in Big Sandy.

Jim was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Ramer, and an infant brother.

Survivors include his mother, Marjorie Ramer of Grand Junction, Colo.; wife, Shirley May Trunk Ramer of Big Sandy; son, Ron Ramer of Idaho Falls, Idaho; daughters, Kathy Wesche of Dutton and Debbie Smart of Great Falls; sisters, Cheryl Condit and JoAnne Rash, both of Grand Junction, Colo.; brothers, Brad Ramer of Grand Junction, Colo., and Rex Ramer of Lebanon, Ore.; and six grandchildren.

Memorials in Jim's honor may be made to the American Heart Association, 510 First Ave. N., Room 114, Great Falls, MT 59401 or to a person's choice.

Services and arrangements are under the direction of the Holland and Bonine Funeral Home.