James M. Pontarolo Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

James M. Pontarolo passed peacefully at his home in Torrington, Wyoming on January 24, 2022, surrounded by his loving family. Jim is survived by his wife Jeanette of 62 years, daughter Monica Koerwitz of Thermopolis, son Jim (Amy) Pontarolo of Lusk, and daughter Tammy (John) Marsh of Cheyenne. Jim has one brother Robert (Joyce) Pontarolo of Roseville, California. He was blessed with eight grandchildren; Logan (Karolina), Anthony (Jess), Nichole (Jason), Jordan, Tanner (Devon), Dylan, Karlei, Corben and eight great grandchildren; Trishell, Macie, Shaylee, Easton, Bridger, Niko, Emma, Brooks. He was preceded in death by his parents. Jim was born to Anthony and Lena “Nancy” (Deromedi) Pontarolo on March 25, 1939, in Oakland, California. As a teen he farmed for his father and neighbors, the Stout family. After graduating from Fort Laramie School in 1957, he was drafted at the age of eighteen and entered the US Army. While on leave, in August 1959, he married Jeanette Ferrari. The couple made their home in Fairbanks, Alaska. After his discharge in 1960, he returned to Fort Laramie where he farmed for three generations of the Stout family. In 1966 he bought his own farm, “The Little Ponderosa” where he lived, farmed, ranched, and raised his family. Over the course of his lifetime Jim also worked for Holly Sugar Corporation, Cook Family Farms, and the Fort Laramie National Historic Site. In 2018, Jim and Jeanette retired from farming and moved to Torrington. Jim enjoyed indoor shooting, hunting, fishing, and arrowhead and rock hunting. Jim loved helping family and friends and didn’t know a stranger. Jim was a member of the Community Presbyterian Church, the American Legion, the Fort Laramie Rifleman’s Club, the Wyoming State Equality Board, The Wyoming State Draft Board, the Wyoming Wheatgrowers’ Association, and the ASCS Board. He served as a Session member, Elder, and Trustee in his church. Although Jim loved farming and ranching, his greatest joys were Jeanette, the love of his life, and his children and grandchildren. Jim treasured every moment spent with his family. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Community Presbyterian Church, in Lingle, WY, on February 5th at 2:00 pm. Cremation has taken place. Colyer Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Interment will be held at a later date. Condolences may be sent to www.colyerfuneralhome.com Memorials may be made in Jim’s honor to the Community Presbyterian Church, 200 3rd Street, Lingle, WY 82223 or the Cheyenne VA Medical Center RRTP Program 309 to provide help for homeless veterans, 2360 East Pershing Blvd, Voluntary Services--Building 6, Cheyenne, WY 82001.

James M. Pontarolo

March 25, 1939 - January 24, 2022