Jim and Maggie LaFollette and their four children gathered for a recent joint birthday and wedding anniversary celebration.

The birthday is Jim’s 84th, today (Tuesday) Jan. 28. The couple’s 66th wedding anniversary is approaching on April 12. The longtime Powell residents were married April 12, 1959. Both are graduates of Powell High School Class of 1959.

Jim is a resident of Rocky Mountain Manor in Powell. Maggie resides at the New Horizons Care Center in Lovell.

Their four children include Susan and husband Chris Haywood of Billings (her late husband was Kent Clark Camposan of Powell); James (Butch) and JoAnn LaFollette of Greybull; Robin and husband Steve Grussendorff of Casper; and Quin and Tracy LaFollette of Ralston. 

Susan Haywood works as a prophetic intercessor with worship music, art and renovations. Her husband Chris is the Executive IT Manager over five companies in Billings. Butch and JoAnn LaFollette are business owners and craftsmen of metal in Greybull creating artistic and practical pieces. Robin and husband Steve Grussendorff are school teachers of music, love and joy in Casper. Quin LaFollette is a cattle rancher west of Ralston while Tracy owns a title and closing business in Greybull and Cody. All the kids love the Lord and helping people.

Jim and Maggie LaFollette were longtime owner-operators of Big Horn Basin Pipe & Supply in Powell, owners for a number of years of Edelweiss resort and campground at Clark, and Maggie created Heritage Escrow of Cody and Greybull. 

As to the key to a successful longtime marriage, Jim says it’s “a give and take situation.”

“You’ve got to give a little and take a little,” he offered.

They have 16 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter.