James H. Shillenn

James H. Shillenn

Services for James H. Shillenn will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1, 1994, at the Bader Funeral Home in Lusk, by the Rev. Frank Bozart. A reception for family and friends will immediately follow at St. George's Episcopal Church.

Mr. Shillenn died Sept. 22 1994, at the United Medical Center in Cheyenne after a lengthy illness. He was born September 10, 1921, in Clearfield, Penn., to Hillary and Helen Shillenn. Mr. Shillenn graduated from high school in Clearfield.

In 1942, Mr. Shillenn joined the United States Air Force in Buffalo, N.Y., and served as a Tech Sergeant both at home and overseas. While in military service he met and married Norma Ione Kaan in Denver, Colo., on Jan. 12, 1944.

After leaving the service in 1946, Mr. and Mrs. Shillenn returned to Mrs. Shillenn's hometown of Lusk, where he worked for Kyrwin Nielson Saddlery until he puchased that business and renamed it the Westerner. The Westerner was a retail business engaged in the sale of western boots, clothing and other items as well as shoe, saddle and leather repair. In 1964, he opened a Montgomry Wards fanchise which he operated until 1984 when he retired.

Mr. Shillenn was an active community leader, serving on the Lusk City Council for six years and as Mayor of Lusk for four years. During this time he was instrumental in bringing to the Lusk community the Wyoming Women's Prison; low-income housng construction and in organizing the Wyoming Municipal Power Agency.

He was also active in the Elks Lodge where he served as grand Master and was a long-time member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, AARP and the National Organization for Women.

Mr. Shillenn was an avid reader and accomplished carpenter. He also enjoyed politics and spending time with his family and friends.

Survivors include three children: Jeffrey W. Shillenn of Sheridan, Camille A. Shillenn of Cheyenne and James K. Shillenn of Douglas; four grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Preceding him in death were his parents and his wife Norma, who died in May, 1992.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the American Cancer Society, 2222 House Avenue, Cheyenne, Wyo. 82201, in the name of Mr. Shillenn.

Images & Attachments

Related/Linked Records