James Michael Ross

1953 - 2023

James Michael Ross January 25, 1953 - October 15, 2023 Mike Ross, 70, passed away at Mantey Heights Care Center. Additional compassionate care was provided by Hopewest Hospice. He was born in McCook, Nebraska to Virgil and Dema Ross. He graduated from Central High School in Grand Junction in 1971. He attended Kansas State University where he played football for the Wildcats. He returned to Grand Junction and went to Mesa State College.

Mike Married Donna Peak in 178 and they had two sons, James Tyler and Tanner Joseph. They later divorced, but have remained friends over the years.

Mike and his partner, Jim Overholt, started Rando Masonry and operated that business successfully for twelve years in Mesa County.

At the age of Thirty-Three, a car accident left Michael a quadriplegic. In spite of his challenges, he kept a great attitude and made the most of his life.

In September, 1994, he married Lynette Long and became step-father to her four sons and her nephew. With a blended family of seven boys, life was filled with chaos and craziness.

Mike and Lynette became partners in the ownership of the Kracklecorn Snack Shop at Mesa Mall. He did an outstanding job of managing the shop and serving many devoted customers for several years. He became known as 'The Popcorn Man".

After the closing of Kracklecorn, he worked at the Home Depot for over a year before beginning a new venture. He learned the trucking business from Lynette's former husband, David Long. He went out on his own and started Rossco Load Brokers. After many rewarding years, he retired.

Previous to is paralysis, he loved to hunt and fish and spend time with his family at Lake Powell. He coached Little League baseball and liked to play Blackjack in Las Vegas.

After retiring, he enjoyed reading, watching football (yes, even the Broncos!) Listening to Rock and Roll music and playing fetch with the Golden Retrievers in his backyard.

He even grew fond of Lynette's many cats.

He was proud of his role as "Pop Pop" or "Pop-A-Wheelie" to all the grandkids.

Mike was a Christian and a member of the Appleton Christian Church.

His parents and brother Wayne preceded him in death.

He is survived by his former wife, Donna Ross, his sister Patty (Gary) Anderson, son Tyler (Michelle) and son tanner (Dr. Elizabeth) Ross.

Also surviving is his wife of twenty-nine years, Lynette and step-sons Jeffery (Jenny) Nichols, Travis (Michelle) Long, Nathan (Jessica) Long, Cody (Summer) Long, Laban (former wife Jessie) Long and sixteen grandchildren.

Services will be held at Appleton Christian Church, Saturday, November 18th at 10:00 AM.