James H. Dryer

This obituary first appeared in the Casper Star Tribune Obituaries.

James H Dryer died March 5, 2010 at Shepherd of the Valley in Casper, Wyoming. A funeral service will be held at a later date.

James was born August 20,1931 in a log cabin near Hat Creek, Wyoming, the son of Orval J. and Bertha M. (Eutsler) Dryer.

As a boy he worked on the family ranch with his brothers and received his elementary education in a one room school, with his mother as the teacher. After graduating from Natrona County High School in 1949 he joined the United State Air Force. He served in the Korean War as a radioman and finished his service at the Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls Montana. While in Great Falls he met his future wife Margaret (Molly) E. Rankin. They were married in Fort Benton, Montana in 1954. After returning to Casper Jim worked at various jobs until he was hired by Texaco at the refinery in Evansville. He worked many years as a process operator. He was promoted to night foreman and eventually to a day supervisor position. When the refinery was closed in 1982 Jim transferred to the Texaco Refinery in El Paso, Texas where he retired in 1987. During his retirement years Jim and Molly traveled the USA in their pickup and fifth wheel trailer and wintered in Casa Grande, AZ. They briefly settled in Grand Junction, Colorado before the city of Casper called them home. Jim was a great husband, father, grandfather, brother and son. He always had a good joke to tell and loved to spend time in the outdoors with his family. He was a gifted musician, a talented pool player and a great handy man, capable of doing anything he put his mind to. He spent many afternoons and evenings watching the Denver Broncos, Colorado Rockies and of course the Wyoming Cowboys. In 1995 he became a grandfather, his only grandchild; Jesse was the light of his eye.

He is survived by his wife, Molly of Casper; daughter Libby (Steve) Kurtz. of Casper; son David (Debbie and grandson Jesse) of Billings, Montana; and his brother Frank W. of Glenrock. He was preceded in death by his parents, Orval and Bertha; brothers William R, Donald C. and Orville A.

Dad, the long battle is over. You can now have peace and know that we all love you and miss you.

Memorials may be made to the Wyoming Alzheimer Association or Central Wyoming Hospice.

Newcomer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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