James “Jim” O. Stingley

Posted

(Sept. 16, 2007)

Former Powell resident James “Jim” Oral Stingley, 84, died Sunday, Sept. 16 at Worland Healthcare Center.

He was born Oct. 31, 1922 in Fleming, Colo. a son of Andrew and Loretta (Curtis) Stingley.  He was born during a blizzard and the doctor was not able to see the new baby for several weeks.  His family had named him Oral James Stingley.  When the doctor finally saw the baby, he filled out the birth certificate with the name as James Oral Stingley.  His family always called him Oral.  It wasn’t until he started working for Greyhound Bus Lines that he discovered the mistake on his birth certificate and was informed by the bus line that he needed to use his given name, James, instead of Oral.  He was James ever after.

He moved to Powell as a child and was raised and schooled in Powell where he graduated from high school.  He then worked for the Powell School System as a janitor; Greyhound Bus Lines as a driver; King Moving and Storage in Cody, Worland and Riverton as a driver and warehouse manager; Chopping Chevrolet in Riverton as a mechanic; North American Van Lines and Bekins Van Lines in Riverton and Worland as a driver and manager; at the Hotel Washakie in Worland in maintenance; Holly Sugar Co. as a security guard; and was an all around helper at the family business, the Furniture Connection in Worland.

Jim met and married the love of his life, Elizabeth Ann Henry, on Feb. 20, 1954 in Cody.  The couple lived in Cody, Riverton and Worland.  He and Liz worked side by side in the business adventures which included the Stingley Apartments and the Furniture Connection.  Jim never had any hobbies as work was all he knew.  He always had something to do and kept his hands busy at all times.

He was preceded in death by his parents; by twin daughters Leona and Ramona; brothers and sisters, Joe Edgar, Bernard Stingley, Charles Stingley, Paul Stingley, Barbara Clark, and Charlene Brown.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Liz Stingley of Worland; his sons, Jimmie Stingley of Denver and Alan Stingley of Powell; his daughters, Oraline (Terry) Early of Aztec, N.M., Brenda Haynes and Phyliss Massie, both of Salt Lake City, Utah; and by 10 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.  He is also survived by his sister, Audrey (Eldon) Willcock of Renton, Wash.; a sister-in-law, Doris Edgar of Powell,  and by many nephews and nieces.

A memorial service was held Wednesday  in Worland with Pastor Tim Trippel officiating. Cremation followed the service and the ashes will be buried in Riverview Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Worland at a later date.

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