A Century in Meadow Valley - Book Two - James Allen and Lois Stewart Wadsworth

James Allen and Lois Stewart Wadsworth - by Ina Mae Wadsworth Wimsatt

James Allen Wadsworth was born in Panaca, Nevada, on May 8, 1887, the fourth child of the seven sons and four daughters born to Nephi John and Eliza Jane Terry Wadsworth. Nine of these children grew to maturity, the exceptions being a daughter who was stillborn and a son, Leo, who died in a hunting accident at age 16. James and several of his siblings lived their entire life in Panaca.

In his personal history, James wrote, “We were a well adjusted, very happy family. My parents were hard working, sturdy pioneers. They were the kind of people they had to be in order to brave the hardships and conquer the mountains and deserts of Nevada.”

He defined the role his parents took in raising their children in this way; “Because of the nature of my father’s work, my mother had the greater responsibility of rearing and teaching the children. Each child was given a chore to perform according to his age and ability, and mother saw that it was done. As a family, we were very close. As I now look back over my childhood, I cannot remember a serious disagreement of any importance, not even as we grew older. To us, mother was the most wonderful person in the whole world. It was a pleasure to obey her, it was never a great chore. There was never a time when my mother did not find time to take her rightful place in the church and community. Mother always kept us clean and dressed well and saw that we attended all church duties and went to school.

The work of my father was to provide a home, clothing, and food for the family. This he did. There was never a time during all the years of pioneering while raising the family, that we did not have the necessities of life; good wholesome food and substantial means to sustain us.

From the outset, he acquired land and water and farmed and raised stock quite extensively. He furnished produce for the markets in the neighboring towns of the vicinity, Pioche, Bullonville, and Delamar, some of the first great mining camps of the state. So, as we boys grew up, there was plenty of work for us on the land and with the herds. Father also had many teams and hauled freight from the railroad terminal at Milford, Utah, one hundred and ten miles from Panaca, one hundred and twenty miles to Pioche, and one hundred and fifty miles to Delamar. There was always ore to be hauled from these camps to the mills and the railroad terminal. Father took a very substantial role, I might say a leading role, in the freighting business. He had a big front yard and a large camp house and store in Panaca. As the boys of the family came along, they fit right into the pattern of the above mentioned industries. For instance, I remember very clearly of making several trips as a lad with my father and older brothers to Milford, Pioche, and Delamar. We had four, six, or eight horse, teams. Father also worked making roads, railroads, building ditches, canals, and reservoirs. The boys of the family helped with this work.”

The journey of James‘ family to Panaca began in England where his grandparents, George Allen and Elizabeth Broadbent Wadsworth, had joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. On May 23, 1856, with their two sons, eight week old Nephi John and James Allen, they sailed on the ship, Horizon, to America. On July 17, 1857, in search of a better life and to escape religious persecution, they left Iowa City, Iowa with a group of Saints to cross the plains to Salt Lake City, Utah. On September 25, after two months on the vast plains, they arrived in the Salt Lake Valley. They were living in Toquerville, Utah, in 1867 when George moved his family to Panaca. At that time, Nephi John was eleven years old. Panaca had seen it’s first settlers in 1864, making George one of the earliest settlers of this beautiful little town.

James was proud of his pioneer heritage. He was impressed that all of his grandparents, and his father, had crossed the plains with the first Mormon Wagon Trains. He never tired of listening to the stories of their courage as they endured hardships and suffering on their journey, and yet never wavered in their pride and great faith in their religion.

Besides his father’s ancestors, James told stories about his mother’s pioneer ancestors, the Terrys and the Pulsiphers, and their part in the history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. They worked hard and made many sacrifices to build and strengthen the church, from Nauvoo, across the plains to the Salt Lake Valley and into Southern Utah, Nevada, and Arizona.

Lois Stewart was born in Fredonia, Arizona, on October 20,1897, the second child of the five sons and two daughters born to David Brinton and Lois Crosby Stewart. All of her siblings grew to maturity except for little Levi Ray, a twin, who died from pneumonia when he was two years old.

When Lois was not quite four years of age, her family left their home in Fredonia and moved to Alamo, Nevada. Her father and two of his brothers had purchasd part of a ranch and other properties. They made the trip of almost 300 miles, by wagon and horseback, over roads that were little more than trails.

Like James, Lois was born into a family of valiant Mormon pioneers. She grew up hearing stories of their courage, sacrifice, and faith. She often said that these stories sustained her throughout the most challenging times of her life. And, there were many inspiring stories told.

Lois’ great grandfather, Jacob Hamblin, is well known in the history of The Church of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints and the great southwest. His success as peacemaker among the Indians is mentioned in numerous studies of Indian affairs pertaining to the Utah and Arizona Mormon pioneers. While doing this great work, he became known as the Buckskin Apostle. Her grandfather, Levi Stewart, was called to be the first Bishop of Kanab, Utah. She was proud of the statue of him which stands in the center of that little town. Levi’s wife, Artimacy Wilkerson Stewart, was the first midwife called and set apart by President Brigham Young when Kanab was first settled in 1870. She worked among both the white settlers and the Indians. The Indians learned to respect and trust her and the lives of many of the settlers were saved because of this.

On Christmas Eve, December 24, 1906, when Lois was nine years old, her father died of pneumonia contracted as he was attempting to return home from Caliente through a terrible snowstorm. He had promised his family he would be home for Christmas. He was the only passenger on the stage and when it stopped in Hiko, he was told that because of the adverse weather, it would not continue on. He could not find transportation to Alamo, so he walked 17 miles through a blizzard. He was critically ill when he finally arrived home. Her father’s death shaped Lois’ into the strong and valiant woman she became. Her mother had to go to work to support her family and as the oldest daughter, Lois became housekeeper, cook, and little mother to her siblings. Her brother David, was an infant of six months She carried him in a sling her mother made for her while she went about her chores. She did all of this while going to school. By the age of ten, she had become an excellent cook and housekeeper.

There were difficult times and challenges for the family but Lois and her siblings always knew how much their mother loved them. She filled their home with love and found the time to play with them, read to them, teach them, show an interest in their school activities and go to church with them. Though they had suffered a great loss, they persevered, and were happy. Lois and her mother shared an incredible love. They were never happier than when they were together. After their mother died in 1936, the siblings remained a close and loving family. Lois had one sister, Theresa. They were best friends and their children were best friends. Theresa always lived in Alamo and they saw each other often. As adults, her brother Karl Crosby lived in Idaho, Vivian Henrie in California, Taylor Fay in various places in Nevada, and David Brinton Jr. in California, Alaska and Montana. After James and Lois married, they often visited them in Panaca. At one time or another, they had all said that a highlight of their life was to eat one of Lois’ “home cooked meals“, with special emphasis on her bread and pies.

James and Lois had an interesting, exciting, courtship. After receiving his diploma from college in 1914, James was hired to teach school in Alamo for two years. In his history, he wrote; “While teaching in Alamo, I found and married my sweetheart and wife, Lois Stewart. We were married on August 22, 1917, in the Salt Lake Temple. We were sealed in marriage by President Joseph F. Smith, who at that time was one of the Twelve Apostles. We had a short honeymoon in Salt Lake and then came home to Panaca.“

Lois had her own story to tell about their romance. There was no high school in Alamo and some of the children were fortunate enough to have arrangements made for them to attend the high school in Panaca. Loving school and having an intense desire to learn, Lois received permission to go back to school and repeat the eighth grade while awaiting her turn to go to high school. James was her teacher that year and Lois had been very impressed with him.

Her turn to go to Panaca finally came and she left Alamo with great anticipation and joy. She loved her school years there and took advantage of every possible opportunity to learn. One Sunday after her return to Alamo, Brother James Wadsworth was called to speak in church; the same James Wadsworth who had taught her in the eighth grade. James was a charismatic and powerful speaker. His skill had been honed by his thirty four month service as a missionary for his church to the southern states. Lois sat spellbound through the meeting and said to her mother when it was over, “I know who I am going to marry.” When her mother asked her who that might be, she replied, “Mr. Wadsworth.” Her mother replied, “Oh Loie, he is an older man. What makes you think he will even notice you?” Lois replied, “Well, I guess that will be up to me, won’t it?“ Well, notice her he did, and probably had, for several years before she set her cap for him.

When they were married, World War I was raging throughout Europe and the United States was soon involved in the fighting. Due to his bad hip, James had received a deferment but desired to serve his country. He enlisted in the army in 1918 and became part of the 91st Artillery Division, Ammunition Trains. He was sent to Fort Lewis in Washington state for his training. Lois was able to join him there. She boarded at the home of a very nice lady and when James had time off, they were able to spend some time together. After his training was completed, he was deployed to France. Lois was pregnant and upon returning home she went to Alamo to be with her mother for the birth of the baby and for the duration of James’ time in France. The baby, a girl named Theresa, was born on October 6, 1918.

James came out of the service in the spring of 1919 and immediately went to Alamo to get his wife and meet his daughter for the first time. After visiting there for a few days, they returned to Panaca. James had acquired property, but as there was no home on it, they moved in with his parents. He worked helping his father and brothers with the haying, farming, and cattle. He also worked in the N. J. Wadsworth and Son’s General Mercantile Store, Lois was busy with their little daughter and helping her mother-in-law with all of the chores pertaining to the running of a large home. She was enjoying getting acquainted with the town and it’s people.

When their second daughter, Edna Myrtle, was born on April 27, 1920, James began to look for a home for them. He planned to put a house on his lot, which was in the block between his parents and his brother Frank’s homes. He found a house for sale in Rose Valley, about 20 miles by road from Panaca. The house was cut in half and brought to Panaca on wide hay wagons. A foundation had been prepared and the house was placed on it and put back together. It was a small house but adequate for their needs.

Lois loved this little house. She was grateful, and excited, to have a home of their own. She planted a lawn and two weeping willow trees were brought from Alamo. She planted “wild” yellow rose bushes and other flowers and trees. James planted a large garden to the side and behind the house. He added a wrap around porch where family and friends gathered on nice days to sit and visit and watch the children play. The home bustled with activity and was filled with love and laughter.

On May 21, 1921, the eagerly awaited son was born. Grandmother, Eliza Jane, claimed the honor of naming him. For his first name, she chose James after his father, and for his middle name, Leo, after James’ younger brother who had been killed in a hunting accident at age sixteen. To his family, James Leo was always known as Leo. Four more children were welcomed into this happy family; Martha, David Nephi, Ina Mae, and Delores.

Quoting again from James’ history, he said, “The union with my wife is by far the greatest event in my life. There was, and is, complete love and harmony. We respect each others rights, privileges, and ambitions. We share each others love, joys, and sorrows. We were united in the teaching and rearing of our children in the church. We are united in their church and civic duties in the community, helping them in school and their other obligations in life, from childhood to manhood and womanhood. Our home and family are governed by love and understanding. Each one of our children is a different individual and has to be treated as such. No two are alike. These individual characteristics, we cultured in each child. This made for harmony and love in the family.”

They filled their home with a wide selection of books, including the great classics in literature and poetry. There were books on the history of the LDS Church and they read often from the Scriptures. James loved reading his “Westerns“. The children learned to recognize the different authors and their works. There was also fun in the reading. A favorite part of the week was when James would read the Sunday “funnies”, from the newspaper, to his children. They would eagerly gather around him as he read. It was an exciting and fun time as he brought each individual character to life.

Lois was a wonderful story teller. The children loved nestling around her on a rainy day as she transported them into another time and place. She wrote beautiful poetry and could recite the greatest and most acclaimed, as well as the fun and the frivolous. Her repertoire of poems was amazing.

James taught them how to work and appreciate the rewards that came from doing a “good job”. He instilled within them a love for their country, their church, their family, and their fellow men. He taught them to love music. He had a beautiful tenor singing voice and played the piano, organ, fiddle, cornet. harmonica, and Jews Harp. Each of their children was given an opportunity to play a musical instrument, but only if they wanted to.

Lois sewed for them; shirts and trousers for the boys, and dresses for the girls. She loved to shop for material, but being very frugal, she also used the patterned flour and cereal sacks. She didn’t need a pattern, she would see a picture in her head or in a catalog, and then she would create her masterpieces. She crafted, and sewed, animals and dolls for them. She established traditions that were carried on throughout the years.

Besides raising his family, farming, ranching and running the N. J. Wadsworth and Son’s General Mercantile store for twenty plus years, James‘ life achievements include; serving thirty five years on the Panaca Irrigation Board, CCC Superintendent, Chairman of the Lincoln County Democratic Party, two terms as Nevada State Senator and delegate for Nevada to Washington DC to work with President Roosevelt and Congress, Chairman and member with The Taylor Grazing Act for twenty five years, twenty years as President of the Lincoln County Farm Bureau, twenty plus years as president of the Meadow Valley Soil Conservation District, forty five years, off and on, as Lincoln County Brand Inspector, and twice as Justice Of The Peace. He was called to Washington DC by two Presidents, Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Harry S. Truman, to receive commendations for his work with The Taylor Grazing Act and Soil Conversation. President Truman also appointed him International Director of the Four States Highway Commission.

Even with all of these responsibilities, he always took care of his wife and children. He was a loving husband and father and was never too busy to be involved in all aspects of their lives. Lois was proud of him and supported him through his long absences from home. In addition to running her household, with her children’s assistance, she did farm chores, tended a large garden, and canned fruits and vegetables. She fulfilled her church responsibilities and rendered compassionate service to her community. She especially enjoyed serving the sick and the elderly people of Panaca and the other nearby towns. She delivered babies and fulfilled a promise made to many of the older women in Panaca that she would dress them for burial.

She was also busy earning her reputation as Lincoln County’s most famous cook. Her reputation extended throughout the state. People knew when she was most likely to be making bread, pies, donuts, or cinnamon rolls. She always made 25 to 35 dozen donuts and cinnamon rolls, and 12 to 18 loaves of bread. She felt she needed to bake these large numbers as her home was always open to those who would “just happen” to drop by.

In 1949, based on her reputation as an amazing cook, Roy Cram of Cram Construction Company in Las Vegas, Nevada, received a Per diem to hire Lois to feed a crew of five surveyors working on the highways for the state of Nevada. He had the contract to construct a seven mile stretch of the highway, extending from the Y Service Station, through Panaca, to Cedar City, Utah. Lois fed the surveyors for six months from spring through the summer. Monday through Friday, they came to the house at 6:00 AM for breakfast. She packed them a lunch and they returned for dinner at 6:00 PM. She received rave reviews for these meals. It is said that Ina and Delores loved the excitement of these times but were not too thrilled at the volume of dirty dishes they found themselves doing each day.

The 1950s and 1960s had brought change and challenges for James and Lois, but also happiness, fullfillment and great joy. All of their children were married; Theresa to Frank LeGrande Magleby, Edna to Arshal A. Lee, Leo to Opal Kathleen Vickers, Martha to Lindsay Kay Jacobson, David to Charlene Ray Gardner, Ina to George Paul Wimsatt Jr. and Delores to Neil Peter Horlacher. James and Lois welcomed their children’s spouses into their family and loved them as their own, Each couple had children, giving James and Lois the grandchildren they had longed for.

A complete history could be written about James and Lois as grandparents.

They were the stereotype of the perfect grandparents. Their grandchildren adored them and lovingly called them “Granny and Granddad”. They always made sure each grandchild felt they were someone unique and very special. They were calm and patient with them, even when there were ten, twelve, or more, busy “little people” in their home at one time.

Granny sewed for them, both clothes and toys. Her home was always an open bake shop. Ask any one of them for a special memory and it would most likely be the sight of every available space in her home being covered with rising donuts. A pan full would be deep frying and she would be rolling hot ones in a cinnamon and sugar mixture in another pan. She never stopped the children, even as they were eating donuts faster than she could fry them. Also, there were the big fat cinnamon rolls, loaves of fresh baked bread, the famous breakfast milk toast eating contests and delicious tarts for Thanksgiving dinner. They loved watching her make “from scratch” egg noodles and were fascinated as she tossed them over and over to prepare them for cooking. To a granddaughter, it was an honor to sleep outside with her on a feather mattress “under the stars”. She would point out the stars and tell stories and they would count the “shooting” stars until drifting off to sleep. Like her children had been, the grandchildren were spellbound as she recited “Little Orphan Annie”, “The Spider And The Fly“, “Betty and the Bear”, and other favorite poems. Making ice cream on a hot summer day and taking turns “turning the crank” on the old freezer, was a treat.

Their Granddad was their hero. He would have a procession of grandchildren following behind him, or running ahead, as he walked from the house to the corrals. They loved to help him feed the cows and horses, and “slop” the pigs. They would feed the chickens to draw them from their nests, and then would follow his instructions to “be very careful and gentle” as they gathered the eggs for their breakfast. They loved riding on the hay wagons as a load of hay was brought from the fields, and then playing in the “hay stacks“ as it was unloaded. They helped him weed and irrigate the garden. He would have them place a particular rock in a certain spot to help the water run through the furrows “just right”, while heeding his warning of “don’t step on the dams”. It was an honor to be asked to pick tomatoes, corn and cucumbers from the garden for a delicious dinner of corn on the cob, sliced tomatoes, cucumbers and onions, and a juicy watermelon for dessert. They loved to go for a ride “out in the hills” or “up to the Spring”. They danced with excitement when he gave them pennies, nickels, dimes, or a quarter, so they could walk to “the store” and buy a treat. They sat enthralled as he told them stories about their “mormon pioneer” ancestors.

James and Lois worked hard to build a legacy of love and tradition to leave for their children and grandchildren. It was at their urging that the first James and Lois Wadsworth Family Reunion was held in August of 1957, in beautiful Pine Valley, Utah. At that reunion, their children hosted a special celebration for their 40th Wedding Anniversary. These reunions were held every summer in July or August. On February 11, 1963, the first issue of the James Wadsworth Tribal Gazette was published. These two wonderful traditions endured throughout the years, even after their death.

James had always had a close relationship with his siblings. He adored his sisters. Edna and Dora had died as young women and he missed them. Eliza Jane, Jenny to her family, lived in Caliente. He saw her often. She died in 1956. After their sisters died, the brothers became even closer. Nephi John, Jack to his family, and Lawrence lived in St. George, Utah, Eugene in Hurricane, Utah, Franklin, James, and Lafayette, in Panaca. They looked forward to the time they spent together and delighted in reminiscing about growing up in Panaca. Jack died in 1946, Lawrence in 1948, Frank and Gene in 1960. That left James and Lafe. As they both lived in Panaca, hardly a day passed that they did not see one another. The special bond they had shared, became even stronger. They were always there for each other, through the good times and the bad. It was a very sad time for James when Lafe died in 1962. After Lafe’s death, James lived for 21 years as the only surviving child of Nephi John and Eliza Janes’s large family. He missed his siblings and was sad and lonely without them, but always said he had wonderful memories to sustain him.

In 1964, James wrote; “Now at 77 years of age, and my health not too good, I have been compelled to give up most of my public work.” That doesn’t mean James and Lois were not still busy and enjoying life. James couldn’t give up his love for farming and cattle. He still ran a few cattle on the range and on his farm he kept a milk cow or two, a horse or two, some pigs and chickens. They still raised a huge garden and James was never happier than when he was tending it. His garden was a work of art, even in the later years when he was hoeing weeds and watering leaning first on one crutch, and then two. They harvested their garden and Lois preserved and canned their bounty. People came to Panaca for his tomatoes and corn and they were proud to furnish family and friends with the fruits of their labor.

They now had time to visit their children and grandchildren. David and his family lived in Panaca and they saw them often. Their favorite time to visit Theresa and LeGrande in Salt Lake City was in the fall when they could ride up the canyons to see the trees clothed in their brilliant colors, or sit at the kitchen table and look out the window at beautiful Mt. Olympus covered in a myriad of glowing color. They visited Pete and Delores in Reno and Las Vegas, Leo and Kathy, Edna and Arsh, and Martha and Lindsay, in Las Vegas. Martha and Lindsay also owned one of the original pioneer homes in Pine Valley, Utah. James and Lois loved the peace and tranquility they found when they visited there. James was proud of Leo’s work as an attorney for Howard Hughes. It made Las Vegas exciting.

On all of these visits with their children and grandchildren, they loved being spoiled, pampered and entertained. Lois crocheted afghans, made decorative pillows and lovely quilts. She loved making cinnamon rolls and donuts for them. Because of her long standing ritual of baking in bulk, she had a difficult time making them in smaller amounts, so for everyone‘s pleasure they were able to freeze some for future treats. James loved to watch sports on television, Basketball and bowling were his favorites.

In the 1950s, through the 1960s, they established a tradition of yearly visits with George and Ina. To escape Panaca‘s cold winters, they usually went in December, January and February. These visits took them to Garden Grove, Orange and San Diego, California. Lois loved the ocean. She and Ina spent hours walking the beaches picking up seashells and rocks. They especially loved being there to watch a beautiful sunrise or sunset. Granny searched for Sand Dollars and waded in the surf with her grandchildren. Lois and Ina played countless games of Scrabble and she taught her grandchildren to love word games. James loved going to work with George. He never tired of their rides through the cotton fields, citrus, avocado, and pecan orchards, and the vast farmlands. Granddad loved bringing home a sack of avocados, oranges, or a flat of strawberries. Often, to pass the time, he enjoyed going to the local bowling alley to watch all of the action.

James and Lois were overjoyed when Leo and Kathy purchased Nephi John and Eliza Jane’s house in Panaca. Leo and Kathy loved this beautiful old home. It was lovingly known as “the castle” to family. On August 19, 1967, Leo and Kathy hosted an open house there to honor James and Lois on their Golden Fiftieth Wedding Anniversary. With the help of all seven of James and Lois’ children and their spouses, it was a glorious affair. Scores of family, friends and dignitaries, from Lincoln County and the state of Nevada, came to pay their respects. They received several hundred cards and personal letters came from Nevada’s Governor, Paul Laxalt, Alan Bible of the United States Senate Appropriation Committee, The Supreme Court Of Nevada, Eighth Judicial District Court of Las Vegas, and many other county, state and national, offices and people. It was a beautiful tribute honoring one of Nevada‘s popular and influential couples.

In 1974 , it became necessary for James and Lois to leave Panaca and go to Las Vegas. James had suffered a severe stroke and needed a different kind of medical care, and they had children there to help them. They realized that their life in Panaca, as they knew and loved it, was over. They missed their beloved home where they had been happy for so long, but as always, they were strong and resolute and did what had to be done.

Lois went to Edna’s to live and James entered a care center. Lois spent every day with him. She was rarely alone. Children, grandchildren, and other family and friends, often came to be with her. In 1977, James left the care center and he and Lois went to live with Pete and Delores where they were provided a home filled with loving care. They were still living there on April 16, 1983, when James passed peacefully away. His beloved wife, Lois, and other family members, were with him. He was 96 years old.

Throughout his long illness, Lois had always presented to him, a cheerful demeanor and a joyful spirit. If he had lived four more months, they would have celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary. Lois put their love and marriage in perspective when she quoted from one of her best loved books, “The Shepherd Of The Hills”, when Sammy asked Mandy what “love” was, and she replied; “Hits just caring for somebody more’n anyone else in the whole world. No, hit ain’t all, it’s agoin’ to live with him and letting him take care of you instead of your folks And. it’s cookin’ and scrubbing for him an mending and doing chores, too, and I reckon that’s all.“ Sammy said, “No, it ain’t Mandy. It’s a heap more than that. It’s a feeding the babies and taking care of them till they are growed up big enough to care for themselves, and you are old and in the way, being glad you done married the man you did. It’s a heap more than living with a man, Mandy. It’s doing all that without ever once wishing he was somebody else.”

That sums up the “Legacy of Love” they left for their children and grandchildren.

Lois continued living with Pete and Delores where she was lovingly cared for. Her children helped in different ways and her grandchildren visited often. She enjoyed it, but missed James and was lonely without him. She died in Las Vegas on April 8, 1985. On October 20th, she would have been 88. It was a comfort to her family to know that she and her beloved James were together again. She is buried next to him in Panaca’s beautiful cemetery. There, they are surrounded by so many of those they loved, and who loved them in return.

For this article, James and Lois’s grandchildren paid tribute to their beloved “Granny and Granddad”. It is said that words can paint a beautiful picture. It is also said that an individual’s personality captures your heart and is unique to every person. James and Lois’s grandchildren lovingly chose these words to describe their Granny and Granddad.

For Granddad: charitable, stoic, forbearing, charismatic, strong, intelligent, hardworking, no-nonsense, humble, kind, faithful, smart, dependable, long suffering, listens, dedicated, gentle, honest, integrity, cowboy. World War I vet,
majestic, patriot, patriarch, enduring, patient in affliction, gentleman, served others, consistent example, teacher, patient, mentor, respectful, rancher, state senator, bookworm/Louis L’Amour, musician/harmonica/piano,
gardener, determined, trusted ambassador, stately, distinguished, admirable.

For Granny: whimsical, resourceful, perceptive, kind, selfless, caring, patient, hardworking, sensitive, hospitable, humorous, thoughtful, well read, humble, joyful, blissful, endearing, bard, slow to anger, cinnamon rolls, nursery rhymes, happy, loving, accepting, honest, tender, virtuous, moral, generous hostess, donuts, fresh bread, seamstress, treadle sewing machine, quilter, doll maker, recipes/smidgen/pinch/hand-full, nurturing, wise, witty, silly, gentle, busy, cook/baker, homemaker, creative, pioneer cook, friend, crafter.

As of today, February 8, 2013, James and Lois are survived by their son, James Leo and his wife, Kathleen, daughter, Ina Mae and her husband, George Paul Wimsatt Jr., and daughter, Delores, and her husband, Neil Peter Horlacher.

Their progeny includes:

25 grandchildren - 69 great grandchildren - 81 great great grandchildren

We know of 5 more great great grandchildren who will be born in 2013.