James Leonard Graham

James Leonard Graham, 90, of Sheridan, Wyo., passed away peacefully on the morning of Wednesday, November 9, 2011 in Palm Desert, Calif. Leonard, son of Lucie and James Graham, was born on March 20, 1921 in Camden, S.C. He married Gretchen Swindle of Hardin, Mont. in February of 1957 and soon after purchased Little Tongue Ranch in Dayton, Wyo. He was a rancher for 30 years. He served three terms in the Wyoming House of Representatives and was the Chairman of the Agricultural Committee. He was active with the Governors Little Big Horn River Negotiating Commission, Sheridan County Optional Sales Tax Committee and Sheridan Airline Task Force Committee. Leonard was a board member for the Sheridan Wyoming Rodeo, Sheridan County Recreation, Bryan Foundation and Dayton Fire District. He was a member of the American Legion, Rotary, Shriners and Committee of 25. He enjoyed photography, traveling and spending time at Smoke Tree Ranch in Palm Springs, Calif. Leonard is survived by his wife, Gretchen Graham; daughter, Margaret Graham of Oregon; and son, John Graham of Arizona; son-in-law, Patrick; daughter-in-law, Jill; and grandchildren, Barry and Ethan. Leonard will be remembered in a family ceremony outside of Sheridan, Wyo.