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James Russell Legg, Jr., age 74 of Worland, Wyoming, journeyed from this world into the next on the morning of November 15, 2016 after his grandsons kissed him good-bye as they left for school. In his last days he was cared for and surrounded by his wife of 52 years and his loving family and friends at the home of his son, daughter-in-law, and grandsons in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. James loved to be in South Dakota in the Fall to hunt with his "boys," family, and friends, all members of his exclusive "Country Club."
James was born February 14, 1942 to James "Rip" Legg, Sr. and Dorothy (Benbow) Legg in Bartlesville, Oklahoma near the Caney River where he was free to roam and play, learning to be a "real kid." A 1960 graduate of College High School, he played football for Hall of Fame coach Burl Stidham and baseball for Sid Burton and Glen Winget along with many beloved friends and teammates. James often repeated to his grandsons something Stidham told him many years before, "It's all about friends and memories, and those that do not play do not have as much to look back on." Nature and science were always his other passion, so a degree in botany from the University of South Dakota and graduate classes in geology from the South Dakota School of Mines led him on a lifelong career in teaching, coaching, and natural resources management.
On August 24, 1964 he married his high school sweetheart, Ann Miller, also of Bartlesville. They first made a home on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota where he taught science and coached wrestling and football. He would later recall the pride in coaching and teaching young men and women during very turbulent years. He mentored many, and he maintained relationships with many-decades after leaving Pine Ridge. James and Ann would eventually move onto the Crow Creek and Lower Brule Reservations, before finally settling in Worland, Wyoming. James never lost his love for for the Badlands and Missouri River returning as often as possible to study, hunt, or fish. During their time together, James and Ann loved to travel-visiting with family and friends- laughing, eating, and enjoying each others company. They are forever grateful to all of their friends for their love and generosity.
James is survived by his wife Ann, his sister, Pam (Clarence) Stull of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, a brother John of Bartlesville, beloved cousin and partner in shady activities Mr. Wayne (Kay) Benbow of Baton Rouge Louisiana, children Beth (Gerald) of Worland, Amy Legg-Rogers (Scott) of Windsor, James R. Legg, III (Shana) of Sioux Falls and his two grandsons, Tigger (James IV) and Eli, as well as a gaggle of nieces, nephews, cousins, relations, and friends. He is also survived by one of favorite hunting companions, Annie.
He was proceeded in death by his parents and several beloved hunting partners, both the two and the four-legged.
Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held Saturday, December 3, 2016 at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Thermopolis, Wyoming at 2:00 p.m. with dinner and fellowship to follow.
James was a wood carver, gardener, cook, teacher, coach, school board and vestry member, hunter, fisherman, wildland firefighter, artist, writer, story teller, joke collector, advocate, counselor, and comforter. He was a good man with a gentle spirit who was always sustained by a deep and abiding faith in God's promises. While delivering a eulogy for one of his firefighting brethren, James said that the best way to honor the dead was to take care of the living so the family asks that you make a donation to the charity or hospice of your choice in lieu of flowers.
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