James S. Wagner, 65, of Banner, WY died Monday, January 18, 2010, in Memorial Hospital of Sheridan County.

James was born December 28, 1944, in Sheridan, WY to Preston & Thelma (Jeffers) Wagner.

James grew up on the Wagner Ranch on the Tongue River and attended the Wagner School through 8th grade. He graduated from Sheridan High School in 1963 and then attended Sheridan College. James served in the U.S. Air Force. After the service, he graduated from the University of Wyoming with bachelors and masters degrees in microbiology. James married Sally Chapman on August 24, 1988 in Laramie, WY. They lived in Cheyenne, WY where he was assistant director of the Wyoming Health Laboratory for five years. He then was an insurance agent for Equitable Insurance. They moved to Banner in 1978 and he continued selling insurance for Equitable and ranching. James retired from Equitable in 1997. He was a 4H and FFA supporter, member of the Fair Board for ten years and on the board of Prairie Dog and Kearney Ditch Companies. James enjoyed raising Limousin cattle and horses, reading a good book. He especially loved his three grandchildren and visiting with friends and family over a cup of coffee and a cookie.

James was preceded in death by his parents, infant sister Carol, sister Patricia Weber and brother Keith Wagner.

James is survived by his wife Sally of Banner; sons Todd of Sheridan and Cody of Greensburg, IN; brother Gerry Wagner of Belgrade, MT; sister Virginia Rohrer of Columbus, MT and three grandchildren.

Memorial service will be 11:00am on Thursday (Jan. 21st) from Champion Ferries Funeral Home with George Tellez officiating. A reception will follow in the Banner Community Hall. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.

Memorials may benefit the Donor’s Choice.

‍