James J. Belus, 74, of Sheridan died Tuesday, April 7, 2009, at Sheridan VA Medical Center.

Visitation will be 8-9:30 a.m. Friday at Kane Funeral Home. Services are 10 a.m. Friday at the funeral home with the Rev. Tom Ogg officiating. Burial will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery in Big Horn.

Born March 30, 1935, in Sheridan to Joseph and Helen (Kobielusz) Belus, he graduated from Sheridan High School in 1953, Sheridan College in 1959, and received a Bachelor of Science degree from the College of Agriculture at the University of Wyoming in 1963.

He entered the U.S. Army in 1955 and graduated as a superior student in demolition, mines, and booby traps from Army engineering school. He served with the Company A 41st Engineering Battalion 10th Division, U.S. Army in Germany. Before the Berlin Airlift he was stationed on the “Iron Curtain” on the German border with orders to destroy bridges should Russian troops advance into West Germany. He received an honorable discharge in 1958.

He married Sandra M. (Webber) Belus in 1961.

He was superintendent of the University of Wyoming Experimental Farm in Torrington from 1963 to 1966.

Returning to Sheridan, he worked for the U.S. Post Office and ranched south of Sheridan and on the family ranch on Dutch Creek.

An original member of The Peters Grazing Association, he took pride in his Black Angus cattle, was an avid fisherman, and enjoyed yearly goose-hunting trips in Torrington with special friends.

He was preceded in death by a sister, Florence, and a granddaughter, Jessica Nolene.

Survivors include his wife; his mother; two sons, David Belus and Mark Belus of Wyarno; a brother, Robert Belus of Banner; four grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may benefit donor’s choice.

The Sheridan Press - April 9, 2009.