John C. "Jake" Fleming

John lived most of his life on the Little Snake River. He graduated from the Little Snake River High School in 1959 and joined the U.S. Marines. He served four years and also served several years with the Wyoming Air National Guard. He graduated from the University of Wyoming with a degree in education. He married Linda Sheehan in 1965 and their son, Andrew was born in 1973.

John taught in Cheyenne, and moved to Baggs and opened the Little Snake River Mercantile, which he operated for 10 years. He later worked for the Wyoming Highway Department until his retirement in 2001.

John, from his earliest school days through retirement enjoyed his guitar, writing songs and singing for audiences. He recorded a record in Nashville and performed at many country music shows in Colorado, Wyoming and Montana. He, while in the store business, enjoyed selling guns and owning quality firearms.. He was a skilled marksman.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Leola Fleming, his brother Harold Lloyd Fleming, and several aunts, uncles and cousins. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Linda; son Andrew John; sister Connie Spicer and many in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held on October 9, at 11 a.m. at the Valley Community Center in Baggs. The services were conducted by Paul Prestrud and Rev. Bobbe Fitzhugh. Inurnment was at the Reader Cemetery at Savery. Donations may be made to the Little Snake River Museum, in care of Grant Mortuary – 621 Yampa Ave., Craig, CO 81625