James Monroe Champie, Jr.

James Monroe Champie Jr., 81, passed away peacefully in Elko, Nevada at the loving home of his daughter Emily on December 13, 2018. Jim was born on March 21, 1937, the only child of James Champie Sr. and Hazel (Ruddell) Champie. Some of his favorite childhood memories were of being at his grandparent’s ranch in Wickenburg, Arizona. He graduated from Phoenix Technical High School in 1955, and shortly after took a job leading mule trips to the bottom of the Grand Canyon for “dudes,” as he liked to say. Jim married Caroline Beck in 1958, and they had three children. He continued to work and live in Arizona operating heavy machinery, farming, and ranching. In the late 60s, he crossed cattle from Agua Prieta and Nogales into the U.S. This endeavor took him to the Reese River Valley in Nevada working for Toiyabe Cattle Company. Within 10 years, he purchased the ranch, changing the name to Reese River Cattle Company. The Home Ranch was home and headquarters for the next 40 years. He was married to Jennifer Dory in 1987, and they had two daughters. Jim loved ranching. He had grit and an ability to never back down to a challenge. He could fix just about anything with baling wire and duct tape. He once saved his own life using the oxygen from his welding setup. Jim had charm, a sharp intellect, a quick wit and thoroughly enjoyed telling a good story. Like any good cowboy, he enjoyed an occasional visit to the saloon and gave many a girl a good twirl around the dance floor. He was also a natural sketch artist and musician. He served as a mentor for several youth over the years, something that gave him great satisfaction. Jim is survived by his five children, James Champie III (Margaret), Canyon Champie (Christina), Morgan Champie, Kaitlin Champie (John), and Emily Hemmert (Anthony), and 10 grandchildren. There will be a gathering for family and friends in the Spring.