James A. Rosencranz

James A .Rosencranz age 82 of rural Belle Fourche, died suddenly on Sunday October 26, 2008 at his home while working cattle on the ranch. The funeral service will be held 2pm Friday at Funeral Home of the Northern Hills in Belle Fourche, with Rev. Doug Clark officiating. Visitation will be held 5 to 7pm Thursday at Funeral Home of the Northern Hills, and one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in Pine Slope Cemetery in Belle Fourche. James A. Rosencranz was born April 3, 1926 on the family ranch near Piniele, Montana. He was the son of Frank and Susie (Farnsworth) Rosencranz. Jim and his 12 siblings grew up on the family ranch and he attended the Piniele school. Following World War II, Jim served his country in the U.S. Army for two years. During this time he was stationed in California. On June 5, 1952 Jim was married to Helen Williams at her mother’s place near Piniele. Together they ranched on the Rosencranz Ranch and later they bought their own land from Helen’s mother. They raised both sheep and cattle. Helen and Jim ranched in Montana until 1993 when they sold their ranch and bought a feedlot east of Belle Fourche on the Valley 1 Road. His wife of 55 years died December 5th, 2007. Jim was a devoted husband and father, and ranching was his life. He will be remembered for being a hard working man, his sense of humor, and being a little particular when it came to things on the ranch, especially working cattle. He enjoyed collecting tack of all kinds, especially saddles, bridles, spurs and also arrow heads. Jim died on the ranch doing what he loved, working cattle with his family by his side. He will be greatly missed. Jim is survived by his sons, Glen and Lynn of rural Belle Fourche; 3 brothers, Jerry (Gloria) of Boyes MT, Bill (Ruth) of Capitol MT, Frank (Barbara) of Broadus MT; sister, Gladys (Steve) Williams of Great Falls MT; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Helen; brothers, Art, Ernest, Pete, Morris, Francis, and infant brother Virgil; and also his sisters, Clara, Betty and Alvina.