Jim Ekis

Our beloved husband, brother-in-law, and uncle, James “Jim” Ekis, also known as “Ron” passed away on November 16, 2022, in Sheridan, Wyoming. James was born on July 15, 1949, to Elgin and Avanelle Ekis. He attended schools in Sheridan and joined the Army in 1968 as a medic. Upon his return from Vietnam in 1970, he worked at the VAMC in Sheridan until his retirement.

He met Jolene Solis and they got married on January 27, 1973. While they had no children of their own, they took their nieces and nephews as their own. One special nephew, Daniel DeTavernier, was taken as a son.

James was an avid Denver Broncos fan. He also loved the Wyoming Cowboys. Uncle Ron, the name we kids knew him by, always had a joke or something to show us. He loved collecting marbles, rocks, and anything that was interesting. He loved to cook. In the last few years, Uncle had grown out his beard and looked like the perfect mountain man and referred to himself as “Julie’s boyfriend”…and of course, the laughter followed.

James was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Ralph, Elizabeth, Loretta, Leroy, Robert “Bobby”, Charlie, and nephew Jay Norwash.

Survivors include his wife of almost 50 years, Jolene “Julie”, Daniel DeTavernier, his sisters and brothers-in-law: Rosita & LeRoy DeTavernier, Betty & Ron Big Lake, Leah Bixby, Carlos, Gilbert & Evangie, Johnny, Jeff, Steve & Mary Solis, and several nieces and nephews located in WY, MT, MD, & SC and their children, his great nieces & nephews.

Thank you for your laughter and for loving all of us. We know you are happy to be reunited with your parents & siblings.

A Celebration Of Life/ Open House will be held on Wednesday, November 23, 2022, at Kane Funeral Home’s reception hall from 1:00-3:00 PM.

Online condolences may be written at www.kanefuneral.com. Kane Funeral Home has been entrusted with local arrangements.