James Andrew Shassetz passed away on the morning of July 10th, 2018 at the very young age of 58.  Jim’s presence has been felt throughout the community his entire  life. Jim was quick with a smile and had an easy, genial laugh, both of which made him easy to like. Many will remember Jim for his athletic prowess.  In high school, Jim represented Sheridan admirably as a decorated football and baseball player and an accomplished swimmer. In football, Jim was Sheridan County player of the year in 1977.  Jim had an insatiable desire to hike, bike, camp, ski, and explore the outdoors. During the winter, he could be found trying to beat his friends to the bottom of the mountain on a variety of ski runs across the Rockies.  He introduced his children, nieces, nephews, and friends to a variety of hiking trails and camping spots in the Big Horns. He loved to share the stories and history of the places he went with those fortunate enough to be his travel companion.  When he couldn’t make it to the mountain, you could expect to find Jim outside golfing at the Powder Horn. Jim’s competitive nature was not limited to the sporting arena. He was always eager to beat family, friends, and foes alike in everything from skiing to tennis to board games.That Jim passed away while climbing Black Tooth, a pinnacle he had scaled many times before, is in many ways fitting.  Jim had an an intense love of nature. From an early age, Jim’s interest and inquisitive nature led him to know and identify plants and trees by their scientific names, often to the wonderment of those around him.  Jim’s first job was as a guide at the Grand Canyon. Upon his return to Sheridan, he worked for Big Horn Beverage for several years. Jim then returned to his passion for plants and spent the larger portion of his working career caring for the trees and gardens of Sheridan County.  Jim was engrossed in the science and practice of tree care and became a certified arborist. Over the past 15 years, Jim worked to help keep Sheridan beautiful by caring for trees, helping put up Christmas lights out on Absaraka, and tending the gardens at Whitney Park.While many will remember Jim for his athletic prowess and outdoorsmanship, those who knew him best will remember him as a generous, loyal, dedicated, and humorous husband, father, son, brother and  friend. Jim frequently started his day walking with his lovely wife of 27 years, Jenifer. Jim’s home was always open to his family, whom he valued intensely. Jim taught his children, nieces, and nephews how to swim and throw a football.  He mowed the lawn and cleared the driveway at his mother’s house. To his last days, Jim’s closest friends had been those who had been his closest friends 50 years prior. His last days were spent showing one of his closest and oldest friends the way to the top of Black Tooth Mountain, a mountain he had traveled often and loved best among the Big Horns.Jim was born August 9, 1959 to Joseph and Jean Shassetz. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife Jenifer, his son Joseph, his daughter Jamy, his mother Jean Smith, his sister Andrea Garner, and many nieces and nephews and friends and admirers too numerous to mention.  His untimely passing has left a huge hole in the lives of many and he will be missed immensely.Jim’s memorial will be on Wednesday, July 18, 2018, at Sheridan Wesleyan Church at 2pm and will be followed by a celebration of his life. Please dress for a celebration. Light lunch will be served. Please contact CiCi for details at 752-4514.Contributions to Jamy and Joe’s college fund can be submittedIn-person at Wells Fargo to the “Joe and Jamy Shassetz College Donation Account”electronically via www.gofundme.com/joe-and-jamy-shassetz-college-fund/donatechecks can be mailed to Jenifer Shassetz at 29 River Rock Road, Sheridan, WY 82801.Kane Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.