James Louis Rule

James Louis "Jimmy" Rule, 60, was welcomed into God's loving arms on February 10, 2014 at Wyoming Medical Center. Jimmy was born January 3, 1954 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin to Benjamin and Loma Jean Rule. He attended Mercy Medical Daycare for Cerebral Palsy Children in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Jimmy was a part of the Cerebral Palsy Telethon in Green Bay, Wisconsin, which featured a special table on wheels that was made by his dad to display how it helped him. Jimmy's photo was included many times for Cerebral Palsy in the Oshkosh paper. Jimmy moved to Casper, Wyoming with his mother and sister in 1976 following the death of his father to be closer to family. Poplar Living Center became his home. He had so many friends and was loved by everybody. For a few years, the nursing home would pack a lunch for Jimmy before the little bus would pick him up and take him to Nowcap. He would stay there from 10 am to 2 pm. He met many new friends there.

Jimmy's family has many fond memories of him. He was always a part of life be it at home playing, vacationing, or attending church Christmas programs. Nancy and Mary would take Jimmy for a stroll around the block, then stop to play ball with the neighbor boys while he became their cheering section. This was something they all enjoyed.

Popie, Jimmy's grandpa, would call him "Jim Boy." One year, Popie dressed up as Santa for the United Cerebral Palsy Christmas Party. Jimmy was so excited to see Santa, not knowing it was Popie.

Family vacations were very special to the Rule family including one to visit Grandpa Rule in Iron Mountain, Michigan. Dad and Grandpa discussed the most expedient way to cross the straights from his home to Mackinac Island, either by a ferry or faster speedboat. They chose the speedboat for ease of transferring Jimmy in and out and the shorter length of time on the water. Yeah Jimmy, you knew how to take your sister's first class. Another very special vacation was to the lake home of Tante and Uncle Jack Hafemann when they were going away and allowed the Rule family to use the house for a week. Everyone loved playing in the water and even Jimmy got into an inner tube for the fun!

Attending Zion Lutheran Church in Oshkosh was always a very important part of life for Jimmy and his family. While Jimmy did not attend Sunday school, one year he surprised his sisters and the congregation by being a Sheppard in a Christmas Play. Terry Peterson, a second cousin, was the music director that year and with the assistance of his friend John, they worked with Jimmy's parents for costume fittings and instructions on how to help him walk down the aisle of our church. Needless to say, Jimmy up-staged even baby Jesus that Christmas.

Jimmy's little sister Judy, whom he called "baby," would want to wear his leg braces so she could play "Jim Boy."

Jimmy loved his toys, notably a yellow truck that would go "vroom vroom." Jimmy's nephews and nieces would find themselves playing with his toys when they would go visit grandma. Some of his trucks are still played with today by Jimmy's great-nephew Henry.

During these trips to grandma's, the Elston children would help make malts of an assortment of flavors including orange sherbet and vanilla ice cream or chocolate revel. A lunch would be packed that often included wafer cookies and nutty bars, or any assortment of sweets, including gumdrops as Jimmy's medicine always went down better with them and his mom always made sure he had plenty. Jimmy's mom would also decorate sugar cookies with a swoop of icing and sprinkles. Jimmy's never ending diet of sugar often made the Elston children jealous.


The Thanksgiving and Christmas parties at Poplar Living Center were also very special. Jimmy's mom was always in attendance along with anyone else that was available.

Jimmy knew and loved many, but his mom was so special to him. Jimmy knew when his mom would come to visit as he would get a big grin on his face, scream and giggle. He enjoyed when his mom would "tittle," or gently rub, his arm. Jimmy's mom also made sure he was well taken care of down to the smallest detail. Even making sure Jimmy had plenty of lights on his little Christmas tree.

Though Jimmy didn't have words, he was able to respond and communicate in so many other ways. He had the best smile and laugh, and big brown eyes. Jimmy was even known to pout on occasion. Jimmy could even get the bus driver stop to get him cookies after she would pick him up from Nowcap.

A special friend, Vi Kirkwood, would pick up Jimmy's mom and take her to Poplar Living Center to give them both communion. This was so special to all involved and when the Lord's Prayer was said, it appeared Jimmy was reciting it with them.

The list goes on and on, but these are some of the special memories his family will always hold close. Many lives have been enriched by having Jimmy in it; he gave unconditional love, hugs, laughter, giggles, and a reason for continued faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. The doctors never expected Jimmy to live to be a teenager, but God had other plans for him as he does now.

He is survived by his mother, Loma Jean Rule; sisters Mary (Tim) Klein, Nancy (Ron) Williams, and Judith (Mike) Elston; aunt Gin Hafemann; uncle Frem Froemming; and the following nieces and nephews and their families: Andrew Elston, Amanda Whitlock, Aaron Elston, Abigail Elston, Mark Klein, Todd Klein, Cindy Garvin, Patrick Klein, Brian Klein and Jennifer Foster. Jimmy is preceded in death by his father, Benjamin Rule Jr.; grandparents Amanda and Frank Froemming, and Jennie and Benjamin Rule Sr.; as well as aunts and uncles.

A memorial service will be held at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church at 11:00 AM on Friday, February 14, 2014. Memorial contributions may be made in Jimmy's memory to Vision Beyond Borders, c/o Pat Klein, P.O. Box 11385, Bozeman, MT 59719 or Poplar Living Center, 4305 S Poplar, Casper, WY 82601.

Special thanks to all who cared for Jimmy over the years.