James Lee LaFollette

Jan. 28, 1941- July 28, 2026

James passed away peacefully in his sleep at the Powell Manor on Tuesday July 28, 2026, of natural causes. James was born to Mary and Curt LaFollette in Powell, Wyo. on Jan. 28, 1941. 

On April 12, 1959, he was married to Eda Margeret Brunner, daughter of Albert Brunner from Powell, Wyo. This year they happily celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary.

Jim grew up in the Powell area and attended Powell schools. In 1959 (as a senior) at Powell High School he earned the right to play in the Wyoming North-South Shrine Bowl, later being selected as honorable mention for All-American Fullback. (He was always proud of that). In 1960, he purchased Big Horn Basin Pipe and Supply from Albert Brunner, where he provided for his family for about 20 years. Jim was a volunteer fireman with the Powell Fire Dept. for approximately 15 years from 1965-1980, during which time he saved several lives due to high commitment and heroism when called upon. They then moved on to purchase Edelweiss bar and RV park at Clark, Wyo. where they lived and strived for 2-3 years until there was a fire in the structure. Jim then accepted the position of co-manager of Trail Creek Ranch just North of Cody, Wyo. for about 5 years. Jim and Maggie then moved on to purchase Opatzelectric in Cody, where he finally sold the business and retired. In 2010, they moved back to Powell and settled down in the Powell Manor.

Jims interests included hunting, fishing and skiing (in earlier years). Jim drove the rec bus for years out of Powell so the whole family could go skiing together. He was the father that didn’t just make it to every football game, but every single practice. He never missed taking his family to AAU swim meets, wrestling meets, soccer games and high school concerts and livestock shows.

Jimmie was not just a “dad,” he was 120 % our father, grandfather and husband. His family was what he lived every moment for.

Services for our father will be held on Friday, Aug. 7, 2026, at the Bennett Creek church by Kurt McNabb. The viewing will be at 9 a.m. service to follow at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at Bennett Butte Cemetery. Lunch/Reception to follow.

James was preceded in death by his parents Mary Colgrove and Curt LaFollette of Powell, Wyo. and his sister Marlyn (Colgrave) Curley of Yellville, Ariz.

James is survived by his high school sweetheart and love of his life Eda Margeret (Brunner) LaFollette; brother Leroy LaFollette of Salt Lake City, Utah; his children Susan (Chris) Haywood of Billings, Mont.; Butch (JoAn) LaFollette of Greybull, Wyo; Robin (Steve) Grussendorf of Casper, Wyo. and Quin (Tracy) LaFollette of Powell, Wyo.; grandchildren: Bridgette Camposan, Steve (Amanda) Camposan, (Chris) Abby Waller, Kathie (Issac) Marks, Tim (Ericka) Camposan, Dusty LaFollette, Camaron (Saidy)LaFollette, Jerry (Lacey) Moore, Jess (Tacy) Moore, Josh Grussendorf, Adam (Mary) Grussendorf, Amy (Jason)Hahn, Cory (Maddison) Pendley, Amber (Jake) Tuten and Gavin (Kacee) LaFollette. He was blessed with 30 great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

Jim was a man who put family and friends first, God and savior a very close second. He never shrugged someone in need. He would do what he could for anyone in need. He always had a heart that was beyond his means. The world and all of us will miss him dearly.