Obituaries

J. Wayne Jensen

J. Wayne Jensen

Dec. 31, 1938 to Jan. 22, 2009

Wayne Jensen was born on Dec. 31, 1938. His impact in life was apparent from the get go, as he was the biggest and last baby born in Sweetwater Memorial Hospital that year.

Wayne is the fourth child of Leo James and Eva Elizabeth Jensen of Boulder. As a young boy he was known for his orneriness and stubbornness, which through life helped him accomplish many things. Wayne started school in Boulder and then went on to finish his junior and senior years at Pinedale. In his younger years, he was an established saddle bronc rider. His talent was obvious enough that some of the locals offered to pull their money together in order for him to pursue a career professionally, though he turned it down to work the family ranch.

The summer of 1961 he met the love of his life, Mary Kay Brown of Cora. On Feb. 19, 1962 they were married in Jackson. Wayne and Kay purchased the family ranch from his parents in 1975. His love for the cattle industry compelled him to serve as president of the Green River Cattleman’s Association, to hold various positions in the Wyoming Stock Growers Association, and to be an active director of Independent Cattlemen Of Wyoming. Wayne loved sports, his horses, reading, traveling and especially watching his children and grandchildren participate in activities. While still active on the ranch, Wayne was taken by the Lord on Jan. 22, 2009, at age 70.

He is preceded in death by his parents Leo and Eva Jensen and his sister Barbara Lozier. He is survived by his wife Kay Jensen of Boulder; daughter Nina David and her husband Bryan and their children Sarah and Jocelyn; son Jim Jensen and his wife Jamie and their children Destynn, JW, Ethan and Bodie; and his siblings Dale Jensen, Beverly Mullette, Craig Jensen, Justin Jensen and numerous nieces and nephews.

Services were held Tuesday, Jan. 27, at 2 p.m. at the Boulder Community Center. Father Lucas Simango was acting officiant.

Memorial contributions can be made in honor of Wayne to one of his favorite charities, Kickin’ Cancer in Sublette County, P.O. Box 383, Daniel, WY 83115.