James Abell

A tragic car accident claimed the life of James Abell, 32, on Saturday, September 18, 2010, in Fayetteville, North Carolina.  He was born on September 15, 1978, in Sheridan, Wyoming.  He attended Sagebrush Elementary, Sheridan Central Middle School, Sheridan Junior High School, and Sheridan High School.
In his youth, he enjoyed skateboarding, boxing, and music.  An avid musician, he played bass guitar in a number of bands from the time he was thirteen years old, in Sheridan and in Colorado.  He was adored by his friends for his loyalty, sense of humor, and love of music.
James enlisted in the Army in March, 2005, as a cannoneer.  He received his basic and advanced individual training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.  He was assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division, Charlie Battery, 1st Battalion, 321st Field Artillery Regiment (Airborne), Fort Bragg, North Carolina, from July, 2005 to June, 2010.  During that time, he was deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan.  In June, 2010, he was reassigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 1st Battalion, 321st Airborne Field Artillery Regiment, where he served as the battalion retention non-commissioned officer.
His military awards and decorations include: the Army Commendation Medal with Valor, the Army Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters, the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with campaign star, the Iraq Campaign Medal with campaign star, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon with number two device, NATO Defense Medal, the Basic Parachutist Badge, the Combat Action Badge, and the Driver Badge.
James was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Hazel Aegerter, and his paternal grandparents, John A. Abell and Thelma B. Abell.  He is survived by his parents, Mike and Sonja Abell, his sister Sasha Johnston, brother-in-law Chris Johnston, and nephews Eli and Caleb, and niece, Alexia.  He leaves behind a number of aunts, uncles, cousins, and beloved friends who will also miss him dearly.
Funeral Liturgy will be 10:00am on Saturday (Sep. 25th) from Holy Name Catholic Church. Interment will be in Sheridan Municipal Cemetery. Military honors are by the Wyoming National Guard.
Memorials may benefit St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

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