Jimmy Lee Massey

RAPID CITY - Jimmy Lee Massey, 65, passed away Friday, March 11, 2005, in Denver after a long and courageous struggle with Lupus. Jimmy was born on Feb. 25, 1939, to Oris and Pearl (Randolph) Massey in Lebanon, MO. He attended and graduated from Exeter, CA, public schools. He was a 1971 graduate of the University of Nebraska, a 1981 graduate of the U. of Northern Colorado and a 1986 graduate from Black Hills State University. On July 4, 1957, Jimmy married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Kaye King. They had three children, Dorinda, Sheila and Jimmy. Jimmy served 26 years in the US Air Force; 11 years as an enlisted Master Sergeant and then he was a commissioned officer and retired as a Major. After retirement from the Air Force, he taught grade school at Black Hawk Elementary. After 5 years of teaching, he had to retire due to ill health. His love and talent for teaching was a true gift of his. Jimmy was an avid scuba diver, motorcycle rider; hunter and reader just to mention a few. One of his proudest moments was when he trophied in the Barstow to Vegas race. Out of all of Jimmy's accomplishments, the most important of all to him was his family; his wife, Kaye; daughters Dorinda and husband Stan Hart; Sheila and husband Roy Billesbach; son Jimmy and wife Kurtsey Massey; 4 grandsons, 2 granddaughters and 1 great-grandson. He will be missed by all but will always be remembered for his great smile, his magnetic personality and his kind and gentle spirit. He was preceded in death by his parents and daughter, Dorinda. In lieu of flowers the family has established a memorial to benefit the Lupus Foundation. Memorial services will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, March 19, 2005 at Behrens-Wilson Funeral Home, with Rev. Ed Wyatt officiating. Condolences may be conveyed to the family at www.behrenswilson.com. Arrangements are in the care of Behrens-Wilson Funeral Home.