Former Sheridan resident Jesse James Gorman Jr., 73, of Ballantine, Mont., died Sunday, Feb. 22, 2009, of complications from paralysis, according to family members.

Memorial services will be 2 p.m. Friday at Smith Downtown Chapel of Billings.

Born May 17, 1935, in Kearney, Neb., to Jesse and Josephine (Palmer) Gorman, he attended school in Sheridan, where he participated in numerous sports including basketball, football and track. He earned a scholarship in track.

After graduating in 1954, he joined the Navy, receiving an honorable discharge after seven months due to a hearing problem.

He worked on ranches in Wyoming and Montana, then became a trapper for the state of Montana.

He married Minnetta Ahlgren Abbot on Feb. 28, 1966. The couple lived on Flat Willow Creek in Montana between Roundup and Grass Range until retirement in 1994. They moved to 40 acres near Ballantine.

He was preceded in death by his wife.

Survivors include two sons, Kenneth D. Abbott of Big Timber, Mont., and Richard D. Abbott of Kendrick, Idaho; a sister, Ruth (Gorman) Johnson of Sheridan; and four nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may benefit Paralyzed Veterans of America.

The Sheridan Press - February 26, 2009.