James E. "Jim" Backus

James E. “Jim” Backus 91 of Cheyenne, WY, passed away on August 2nd at the VA Medical Center in Cheyenne. He was born June 24, 1928 in Frostproof, FL to Fred and Reva (Bagby) Backus. Jim graduated highs school from Frostproof June of 1946 then went on to graduate from Western University in Bowling Green, KY. In his early years Jim played semi-pro baseball. He held an FAA pilot’s license which was issued in 1946 and enlisted into the Air Force January of 1949 where he served two years. Jim married Lorraine Weaver of Cheyenne, WY on December 26, 1949. The couple had three children; Jay, Anita, and Casey, and lived for 12 years in Frostproof, FL. While in Florida Jim served as a deputy with the Polk County Sherriff’s Department from 1956-1960. He was the Chief of the Frostproof Fire Department and a charter member of the Florida State Fire Chiefs Association. In 1956 he graduated from the FBI Law Enforcement Academy in Florida. Jim and Lorraine moved to Cheyenne in 1963 where he joined the Cheyenne Police Department after graduation from the FBI Law Enforcement Academy in Cheyenne. He served honorably as a Cheyenne police officer and detective from 1963-1976 where he received numerous decorations. He was a member of the National Peace Officers Association. Jim then worked for the State of Wyoming OSHA Department as a compliance officer before moving to the private sector in the same capacity. He was well known for his humorous stories of life, enjoyed hunting, fishing, and traveling. Importantly, in his life was his association with law enforcement and cowboy friends. He was a Past Master of the Masonic Lodge for 65 years in FL, a member of the American Legion for 60 years and the VFW for 11 years. Jim was listed as Who’s who in America from 1991-1992. Survivors include his two sons; Jay (Kate) Backus of Waltman, WY, Casey (Annette) Backus of Ammon, ID, and daughter; Anita Backus of Cheyenne, two grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren, and a sister; Betty Person of Youngsville, NC. He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Reva Backus, and his wife Lorraine. Services with honors with be held on Tuesday August 6, 2019 at Wiederspahn-Radomsky Chapel at 10AM.