James Edward (Jed) Deal made the journey to his eternal home on October 29, 2024 in Torrington, Wyoming. He was born to Lloyd E. (Pete) Deal and Mary Anne (Anne) Johnson-Deal in Lander, Wyo. on March 22, 1961. He passed away as the result of several serious illnesses.
He was affectionately known as Jed to his family and childhood friends. Later in life, his friends called him Jim or Jimmy. Regardless of what they called him, those who knew him enjoyed his company and his many antics and stories. In recent years the stories often began with “there I was minding my own d**n business and…”. One story I recall went something like this: “There I was minding my own d**n business trying to surf the internet and this big, ole policeman asked me what I was doing in his cruiser fiddling with the computer”. Apparently, he was walking home from Frosty’s one night when he saw an unoccupied police car so he got a bright idea to check the internet.
His life was filled with love, zest for adventure, compassion and a strong faith in God. His passing left a void in the hearts of his family, friends, and many others whose lives were touched by him. We ask that he be remembered for the way he lived his life and the impact that he had on those who knew him.
Jed was predeceased by his parents, Pete and Anne, sister Emma, daughter Amber, Aunt Leona, uncle Robert Deal, cousins Lincoln Deal, Doug Johnson and George Moore, sister in-law Cindy Whitlock-Deal, nephew Shane Deal, grandparents Oscar and Doris Deal, Nick and Katherine Johnson and several other aunts and uncles.
Jed is survived by his sons Christopher (Erika), and Jason, daughter Jessica (Malissa), sister Kay (Mike) Malson, brothers Bill, and Pete (Jean), aunts Pauline (Todd) Fross, Maryellen Nordwick, grandchildren Anika, Jerico, Dera, Cyrus, Skyla, Starleigh, several great-grandchildren and ex-wife Lynn Figolah.
He also leaves cousins Elsie (Gene) Preslar, Bob Deal, Jane Hanson, Bob (Shary) Moore, Chuck (Debbie) Moore, Ludell (Mark) Walter, Larry (Tammy) Deal, Lance (Nancy) Deal, Deeda Randle, Zane (Kristy) Johnson and Mike (Judy) Johnson. Jed has a host of nieces and nephews who shared in his joyful spirit and enjoyed his amusing stories and jokes.
Jed was raised on the family ranch near Lander, Wyo. His childhood was filled with fun as he explored the ranch, rode horses, hunted fossils, fished and swam in the North Fork. He was active in 4-H and FFA. In High School he played football and was on the debate team. When asked why he was on the Debate Team, he replied; “because that is where the girls are”.
After the death of our Dad during his Junior Year in high school, Jed moved to town and lived with our Uncle Bob and Aunt Lee for a couple of years. While there he developed a much deeper bond with our cousin Lincoln and other members of the family. The two of them would wander off and go fishing.
His working life was spent in the oil and gas industry. This took him to many locations across Wyoming and the U.S. For many years Jed worked at the Bairoil Gas Plant. During this period, he made many friends in Bairoil and Rawlins. In the last few years of his career, he was a hot-shot driver. This allowed him to travel to many locations and across the nation. He became a taxi driver in Casper for a year or two. He made friends and entertained people where ever he went. Outside of his work, Jed found joy in being with friends and family.
Those who knew Jed will remember the twinkle in his eye, his infectious smile and booming laugh. He generally spread love and kindness to those he encountered. He had a gift for making others smile and laugh, leaving a lasting impact on all who crossed his path.
A Celebration of Life service to honor the life of James E. Deal will be held in Lander, Wyo. in the spring or summer of 2025. Arrangements will be posted on Facebook when they are known.
Although Jed’s physical presence no longer graces our lives, his spirit will continue to inspire and uplift us. May his memory be a blessing, as we carry forth his legacy of love and compassion in all we do.
CONTINUE READING
He was affectionately known as Jed to his family and childhood friends. Later in life, his friends called him Jim or Jimmy. Regardless of what they called him, those who knew him enjoyed his company and his many antics and stories. In recent years the stories often began with “there I was minding my own d**n business and…”. One story I recall went something like this: “There I was minding my own d**n business trying to surf the internet and this big, ole policeman asked me what I was doing in his cruiser fiddling with the computer”. Apparently, he was walking home from Frosty’s one night when he saw an unoccupied police car so he got a bright idea to check the internet.
His life was filled with love, zest for adventure, compassion and a strong faith in God. His passing left a void in the hearts of his family, friends, and many others whose lives were touched by him. We ask that he be remembered for the way he lived his life and the impact that he had on those who knew him.
Jed was predeceased by his parents, Pete and Anne, sister Emma, daughter Amber, Aunt Leona, uncle Robert Deal, cousins Lincoln Deal, Doug Johnson and George Moore, sister in-law Cindy Whitlock-Deal, nephew Shane Deal, grandparents Oscar and Doris Deal, Nick and Katherine Johnson and several other aunts and uncles.
Jed is survived by his sons Christopher (Erika), and Jason, daughter Jessica (Malissa), sister Kay (Mike) Malson, brothers Bill, and Pete (Jean), aunts Pauline (Todd) Fross, Maryellen Nordwick, grandchildren Anika, Jerico, Dera, Cyrus, Skyla, Starleigh, several great-grandchildren and ex-wife Lynn Figolah.
He also leaves cousins Elsie (Gene) Preslar, Bob Deal, Jane Hanson, Bob (Shary) Moore, Chuck (Debbie) Moore, Ludell (Mark) Walter, Larry (Tammy) Deal, Lance (Nancy) Deal, Deeda Randle, Zane (Kristy) Johnson and Mike (Judy) Johnson. Jed has a host of nieces and nephews who shared in his joyful spirit and enjoyed his amusing stories and jokes.
Jed was raised on the family ranch near Lander, Wyo. His childhood was filled with fun as he explored the ranch, rode horses, hunted fossils, fished and swam in the North Fork. He was active in 4-H and FFA. In High School he played football and was on the debate team. When asked why he was on the Debate Team, he replied; “because that is where the girls are”.
After the death of our Dad during his Junior Year in high school, Jed moved to town and lived with our Uncle Bob and Aunt Lee for a couple of years. While there he developed a much deeper bond with our cousin Lincoln and other members of the family. The two of them would wander off and go fishing.
His working life was spent in the oil and gas industry. This took him to many locations across Wyoming and the U.S. For many years Jed worked at the Bairoil Gas Plant. During this period, he made many friends in Bairoil and Rawlins. In the last few years of his career, he was a hot-shot driver. This allowed him to travel to many locations and across the nation. He became a taxi driver in Casper for a year or two. He made friends and entertained people where ever he went. Outside of his work, Jed found joy in being with friends and family.
Those who knew Jed will remember the twinkle in his eye, his infectious smile and booming laugh. He generally spread love and kindness to those he encountered. He had a gift for making others smile and laugh, leaving a lasting impact on all who crossed his path.
A Celebration of Life service to honor the life of James E. Deal will be held in Lander, Wyo. in the spring or summer of 2025. Arrangements will be posted on Facebook when they are known.
Although Jed’s physical presence no longer graces our lives, his spirit will continue to inspire and uplift us. May his memory be a blessing, as we carry forth his legacy of love and compassion in all we do.
