J. L. Bastian

Dr. James "Jim" Louis Bastian
August 16, 1940 – September 2, 2024

Jim, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and dedicated chiropractor, passed away at age 84. Born to Louis “Doc” Allen Bastian D.C., and Bernice Eleanora Bastian, Jim lived a life full of purpose and dedication to service, work, and providing for his family.

Jim had a wonderful life beginning in Independence, Iowa, surrounded by the love of family and friends. It was there that Jim worked hard and found happiness in being a good student, participating in Boy Scouts, basketball, duck hunting, fishing, and many other hobbies including building a kayak in his basement. Jim loved to share memories of his years in Independence, a particular favorite memory was bringing home his first goose and presenting it to his sleeping parents after a morning hunt.

Jim’s work ethic was evident from a young age; working at the neighborhood grocery stores where he did everything from stocking to butchering, and later advanced to assistant manager. Additionally, Jim enjoyed helping his maternal uncle Luther with carpentry, cabin making, and painting. Jim’s life with Connie Christensen began with their first date to Prom in 1957. Jim graduated from Independence High School in 1958 and enlisted in the U.S. Army National Guard where he was an active member of the 34th Red Bull Infantry Division. After enlistment, he received basic training at Fort Leavenworth, KS, beginning as infantry. An interest in medicine led him to the pursuit of continued specialty training in San Antonio, TX as a medic and medical specialist.

Jim was rooted in Iowa, marrying Connie in a beautiful ceremony on December 23, 1961….two days before Christmas on a lovely, Iowa blizzard day. They often state, “What were we thinking,” as they fondly remember snow, sub-zero temperatures, snowdrifts, and stuck cars. Winter continued to offer them challenges, but mostly they shared laughter found in memories of Connie’s dad, Clyde "Shorty" Christensen helping them start their car, thaw pipes, and one particular chill that caused clothes to freeze to the wall in their little trailer’s closet. Ambitious and wanting to do everything he could to make sure they were provided for, Jim attended Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, and then the National College of Chiropractic in Chicago, IL where he earned a Doctor of Chiropractic. Together, Jim and Connie faced the challenges of further education and took on a variety of jobs including construction, manufacturing, and even driving a school bus in downtown Chicago. Not long after graduating, Jim had an opportunity to buy a practice in Cheyenne, WY. With partners, he successfully operated the Chiropractic Clinic, serving many patients including seasonal rodeo participants of Cheyenne Frontier Days, until his retirement in 2006. Jim was awarded Wyoming Chiropractor of the Year in 1973, 1984, and 1985. He was a consultant for the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) and his office served as the organization’s headquarters before relocation to Greeley Colorado. In addition, Jim served the American Chiropractic Association’s peer review system, and the Wyoming State Board of Chiropractic Examiners and met with U.S. Representatives and Senators on the issue of Chiropractic care. Jim was honored by the NBCE for his 23 years of work to ensure rigor and integrity in Chiropractic Care preparation. While still in practice and after retirement, Jim served the State of Wyoming assisting in the resolution of workers' compensation claims.

In retirement, Jim and Connie enjoyed many years of spending time with family, taking fall leaf tours, and extended trips to Florida and the Ozarks. Jim was especially delighted with the birth of his grandchildren and kept tabs on their interests and activities. Jim is survived by his loving wife, Connie; daughter Jennie Lynn Bastian-Caviness, and husband David with children Nathaniel Bastian Caviness, Nicholas Christensen Caviness, and Jessica Lynn Caviness; son James Linn Bastian, and wife Beth with children Baden James Bastian and Emily Grace Bastian; and son Jon Ethan Bastian, and wife Megan with son Weyland Ethan Von Bastian. Additionally, Jim is survived by his brother, Roger & wife Sharon Bastian, and many caring cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. Jim's legacy is one of ambition, dedication, compassion, and commitment to the well-being of others. His memory will be cherished by all who knew him.

A celebration of Jim's life will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, September 13th at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church followed by military honors and a reception, at 218 E 19th St. Cheyenne, WY.