James LeRoy Witherspoon

Beloved Cowboy, Husband, Father, and Papo

James Leroy Witherspoon, known to most as “Jim,” rode his final trail on October 18, 2025 at the age of 85. Born on October 2, 1940 at St. Joseph Hospital in La Grande, OR. Jim lived a life rooted in grit, faith, and the open range. A true cowboy through and through, he believed a firm handshake still meant something and that a hard day’s work was the best kind of prayer. Jim spent his younger years milking cows, riding horses, mending fences, and raising a family with the same steady hands that could rope a steer or build a home. He had a deep love for his family, horses, early mornings, black coffee, and ol' westerns that told stories as real as the life he lived. To his family, Jim was more than a cowboy — he was a teacher, protector, and storyteller. His grandchildren will remember the sparkle in his eye when he spoke about “the good old days” and the quiet wisdom that came from a life well-lived. He is survived by his wife, Judy Witherspoon and children Jamie Scheuering (Dan), Dennis Witherspoon (Trena), Lynne Brown (Mark), Jim aka Dabber (Terri), Jennifer Loutzenhiser (Scott). Grandchildren Ryan, Kelsey, Chelsea, Christian, Sidney, Jana, Katie, Ashley, and Michaela as well as 17 great grandchildren and his youngest brother Dale Witherspoon. He has been reunited in heaven with his parents, Buren and Margaret Witherspoon, his brothers Carl and Tommy Witherspoon and surely his favorite horse "Cowboy". 

A celebration of Jim’s life will be held on October 24, 2025, 10am at the Homestead Country Gathering, 60588 McAlister Road, La Grande, OR. Friends and family are invited to come share stories and memories of the man who taught us that true strength comes from love, laughter, and a little dust on your boots. The dress code is casual. As Jim always said, “Don't take any wooden nickels.”

The service will be streamed at mypersonalstream.com