James "Jim" A. Marchant

James A. Marchant

Funeral services for Newcastle resident, James A. Marchant, age 85, were held May 13, at the First United Methodist Church with Dr. Robert Firebaugh officiating. Burial followed in the Newcastle Greenwood Cemetery.

Mr. Marchant died Monday, May 9, 1994, at Weston Manor.

James was born June 5, 1908, in Edgemont, S.D., the son of James M. and Sylvia M. (Hogg) Marchant, who lived on a homestead in Niobrara County, Wyoming. Since they went to South Dakota for his arrival only because there was the closest doctor, Jim always considered himself a Wyoming native. He attended schools in Niobrara County, graduating from Lusk High School in 1926. He was an outstanding athlete in high school and also worked on area ranches during that time. Following his graduation, he worked for Felix Nern at his Taylorville Ranch in Niobrara County and then at Nern's Ranch on the Dismal River near Mullen, Neb., for eight and a half years. During that time, Jim gained experience in every phase of cowboying and cattle ranching. On November 20, 1939, Jim married Pauline Sedgwick at Lusk, Wyo. The couple lived on his homestead in Niobrara County running sheep and cattle until about 1945. Since no adjoining land was available to allow for expansion of their operation, they sold the ranch and moved to Alkali Creek in Weston County to a ranch belonging to Pauline's brother, Bus Sedgwick. They worked there and ran some of their own cattle and sheep until 1959, at which time they moved into Newcastle to make their home. After moving to town, Jim worked at the Newcastle Feed Store from 1962 until it closed. He also enjoyed getting out to give an occasional "hand" to area ranchers, especially helping get the cattle located on limestone for the Beaver Creek Cattle Company.

Jim was a member of the First United Methodist Church and the Newcastle Sports Booster Club. He enjoyed reading and family camping trips in the hills. He was also an avid gardener and woodcutter, accumulating a woodpile that will last for years. He enjoyed visiting with old friends and any ranchers who came to town, but his greatest enjoyment was following the school sports. He never missed a "home" game or wrestling match, nor a Little League baseball game. Because of Jim's great love of high school sports and his faithful support of the teams, the Newcastle Sports Booster Club presented him with a special award jacket, which was one of his proudest possessions.

Mr. Marchant was preceded in death by his parents; son, Tony and a brother.

He is survived by his wife, Pauline; daughters Annette Noeldner and Jeanette Patik, both of Newcastle; five grandchildren, Mike Marchant of Lander, Jacy Marchant and Brenda Sewell of Lusk, Paula Brown of Hulett, and Michelle Patik of Casper; six great granddaughters, Brandy and Misty Sewell, Elissa and Jami Brown, and Ashley and Taylor Marchant. He is also survived by one nephew, Jack Marchant.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to the Newcastle High School Athletic Department, the Newcastle Little League or to a charity of the donor's choice.

Worden Funeral Directors of Newcastle were in charge of arrangements.

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