Graveside services for James Daniel “Jim” Roff, 95, were held Friday, May 11, 2018 at the Wheatland Cemetery in Wheatland with The Reverend Jill Zimmerschied of the All Saints Episcopal Church officiating. Interment was in the Wheatland Cemetery.
Jim Roff passed away Tuesday, May 8, 2018 at the Platte County Legacy Home in Wheatland.
James Dean Roff was born Tuesday, January 30, 1923 in Sallisaw, Oklahoma. Jim was raised in Wheatland by his parents, Ray Roff Sr. and Hildegard K. (Miritz) Roff. He attended Wheatland public schools, graduated in 1941 and in 1943 joined the United States Navy, proudly serving until 1946. Jim fought in World War II and was a proud Submarine Veteran of the USS Redfish. While in the service, he was awarded an Asiatic Pacific Area Medal, as well as a Presidential Unit Citation Star and a WW II Victory Medal.
After his years in the service, Jim became a welder and welder inspector. On September 3, 1949, Jim married his beloved wife Barbara Helen Mitchell. They welcomed their only child, a daughter, Elizabeth T. Roff in 1950. Jim’s career kept him on the road for long stretches at a time. When he finally retired, for a second time, he settled with Barbara on their place on the North Laramie north of Wheatland. Jim was an avid reader and enjoyed spending time reminiscing with his buddies, especially about the history of the USS Redfish.
Jim is survived by his daughter, Elizabeth T. “Liz” (Tracy) Swanson of Big Horn, Wyoming; grandchildren, Donde S. (Tom) Hayes of Great Falls, Montana and Todd J. (Candace) Swanson of Big Horn, Wyoming; great grandchildren, Wyeth M., Elizabeth M. “Ella”, Fairclough T. ”Fara”, and Maclan Y. “Mac”, all of Great Falls, Mont.; brother, Bill Roff of Tulsa, Okla.; and sister, Helen Swartz of Calif.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Ray on March 26, 1972 and Hildegard on January 5, 1988; his beloved wife, Barbara H. Roff on April 26, 2015; and brother, Ray Roff Jr. on April 6, 1981.
A memorial to the Platte County Library, 904 Ninth Street, Wheatland, Wyoming 82201 would be appreciated by the family.
The Gorman Funeral Homes – Platte Chapel of Wheatland are in charge of the arrangements.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.gormanfh.com.
