Cover photo for James Heron's Obituary
James Heron Profile Photo
1943 James 2020

James Heron

May 5, 1943 — May 23, 2020

James Edward Heron was born May 5,1943 to Kennard Heron and Bertha McCoubry in La Grande Oregon. He had an older sister Bobby, brother Larry and the youngest Kennard. They only lived in Oregon for a short time and returned to Wyoming where they lived in Thermopolis and Geebo Wyoming. One of his great achievements in school was winning the state marble championship. He and his brothers spent their youth exploring the land around Thermopolis and enjoying swimming at the Star Plunge and riding the Screaming Mimi. Ed picked up a guitar around 1955 and taught himself to play and read music. He had a passion and act for music and passed that love on to all of us kids.

Ed left his home in Thermopolis to try life on his own around the age of 15. He always told a story of hiring on a ranching outfit but he got fired because he wasn't big enough to buck bales of hay. He met his life long best friend Verle Meeks around this time and if it wasn't for Verle’s mother and the Meeks family the Heron brothers would have starved to death.

In the early 60’s he found himself in Jackson where he met the love of his life Rita Robertson. They were married December 27, 1962 and were blessed with two children Karen Sue and Cole Edward.

Times were tough back then and Ed moved his family to Jeffrey City where he started his mining career. He was the top hand and the best miner any one could ask for. He ran his own crew and got very adept at blowing up slabs and handling munitions. His mining career ended in the late 80’s when he got very sick and almost lost his life to galvanized poisoning. So he retired from mining and became a truck driver. He worked for Ross excavation and ran over the road. When he quit trucking he ran the scales at the transfer station for years. He loved this job because he got to visit with people and salvage what they threw away.

Ed and Rita were blessed with having to help raise two of their grandchildren Casey Cole and Robye Chloe. They were amazing grandparents and supported the kids in all their endeavors.

Ed and Rita’s house was always a safe haven, you never had to worry when they were around. Their house was always open, hosting many parties and get togethers. There was always good food, good music, and some pretty mean card games. Ed loved poker and his friends and family. He never met a stranger in his life and he has left a big hole in our lives but we were so lucky to have him. He always taught us to work hard, be honest, love your family, play music and don't be afraid to gamble. He is proceeded in death by his parents Kennard Heron and Bertha McCoubrey, his wife Rita, his sister in law Faye, his brother Kennard and brother in law Errol Workman. He is survived by his kids Karen Shannon, Cole Heron, Robbie Heron, and Kelly Thomas. His grandchildren Chaney Jones, Casey Heron, and Robye Heron. His great grandchildren Logan, Christian, Myah, Laney, Chaney, and Halle plus numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be on June 20, 2020 at 2:00 pm.  at 850 Hog Island Rd. Jackson.

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Saturday, June 20, 2020

Starts at 2:00 pm

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