James Silas Wooster went to meet his Lord and Savior, and was released from the body that no longer served him.

He and Grandma Wooster were very influential in Jeff's life. Jeff began working for Grandpa at the young age of 13 in his ceramic shop. Under Grandpa's watchful eye and good example, Jeff developed the work ethic that still serves him well today. The relationship continued into adulthood... I've heard many a story of camping trips taken with Grandma and Grandpa Wooster - spoken with great affection, and good memories. On his days off, Jeff would still go to Grandpa's house, working on his "to do" list of things that Grandpa was no longer capable of accomplishing.

July 22, 2000, Grandma Wooster suffered a stroke on Jeff's and my wedding day. She did not recover, and passed while we were on our honeymoon... I still remember frantically looking for a church in Jackson Hole Wyoming the day of her funeral... Jeff wanted to pray and honor her life, and mourn her passing... We found one, and though neither of us were familiar with the Catholic faith, I read to him from the service guidebooks provided there, and we prayed for her...

Grandpa was devastated and so very alone after her passing...

On our return, we purchased Grayhorse Ranch - which at the time, had not been home for any horses, and needed much work to realize our dreams and goals... Grandpa Wooster enthusiastically threw himself into our ranching effort - he oversaw the construction of every stick of fencing put up, making sure that Trevor and Jeff did the job properly, and taught them much along the way.. We spent every weekend as a family, and memories of those days still are discussed frequently..

One day in particular, I can remember Cait's horse Frosty, who was a challenging (to say the least) animal to ride had been particularly problematic... And Cait, in her frustration, had gotten off, and went in the house, leaving Frosty fully tacked and standing outside... You can only imagine my fear and dismay when I heard a loud Heeee Yaaaahhh!!!!, and watched then 81 year old Grandpa aboard Frosty and galloping across the yard!!! The relief I felt was overwhelming when they trotted back up to the house, with Grandpa saying "don't know what the problem is - you just gotta show them you're boss"....

Grandpa eventually found a great friend in Shirley, and began spending his days with her - taking trips, and enjoying days and events at the Senior Center... Jeff and I joined them for a dance there one evening... Grandpa danced with me until I couldn't keep up any more! His energy was abundant back then... In 2012, he undertook the painting of her privacy fence... A testament to a full life, well lived.. It still stands in silent homage to the great man who created it..

Godspeed, Grandpa - we love you, and will miss you more than you know!!!