James 'Jimmy' Armstrong

    Jim Armstrong is the epitome of a self-sufficient rancher. He was born in Vineland on January 13, 1918 to Charles Edgar and Edna Pearl Armstrong. Charles Armstrong moved from Michigan to Colorado and homesteaded in the Apache Creek area where he had a dairy route in Pueblo. In 1919 when Jim was only 1 1/2 years old his family moved to Beulah. They bought the North Creek home which was originally built by Steve Service in 1916-17. His father bought beef cattle and hay cutting machines, and they raised cattle and sold feed. Jim has been a bachelor all his life. His explanation is: "I thought I would get married some day, but it just never happened." Jim does all his own work on his cattle ranch and only occasionally hires help during the busy haying season.   

   Jim has always been active in the Beulah community service organizations. He was the first member and president of the Beulah Saddle Club, which started in 1949. He was a member of the Beulah Volunteer Fire Department since its conception. He has been involved in the Beulah EMT ambulance and is currently a member. He has also participated and acted in our Beulah Melodrama.   

   Jim says running his ranch keeps him very busy, but he does have one hobby he enjoys. He is a sportsman and enjoys hunting elk in the Fall.

This article was reprinted from the April 1, 1990, Issue 8 of The Beulah Banner.  

REMEMBERING AN 'OLD TIMER'  

by Ron and Cathene Jones  

   Jim Armstrong was one of five children raised on the North Creek family ranch. He never married but dedicated his life to ranching, farming and our community. In 1949, the Beulah Valley Saddle Club was formed and Jim became the first president of the club. He remained active in the saddle Club for many years and was president several different times.   

   During the early '50's Jim was a Boy Scout Leader. He enjoyed taking the Scouts on overnight camping trips and packing with horses. One of Jim's most favorite activities was going elk hunting every Fall with his hunting group. Taking his horse to ride and pack and "roughing it" miles from civilization was a part of his life that he truly treasured. Jim was also one of the original cast members of the annual Beulah melodrama. He loved playing or acting the many different parts over several years. One he particularly enjoyed was the role of sheriff.   

   Almost everyone saw Jim at one time or another haying. Many young boys worked for Jim during haying season. Jim paid fair wages but expected a good day's work in return. The hay crews soon learned that the hay had to be stacked a certain way, and that was Jim's way.   

   Being a rancher and farmer very naturally took most of his time. He was a self-educated man and a voracious reader. He became very knowledgeable about grasses and weeds and an expert in our area. Jim ran a cow-calf operation and enjoyed raising baby calves and liked branding the old fashioned way. Several young men helped during every branding time and just like haying, it had to be done a certain way and that was Jim's way.   

   Jim was also an active EMT in Beulah for many years and still responded to calls up until about a year before he died. It has been nearly two years since Jim Armstrong passed away. With his slow drawl and sense of humor he was a very interesting person to visit with. Many Beulah residents remember this colorful character with deep appreciation and love. He gave so much of himself to our community through the years and left a nice little gift of money to Beulah Community Center and the Beulah Volunteer Fire Department.   

   The Beulah Community Center is planning a memorial dedicaton to him on Sunday, May 7, 1995. We will be drawing a lucky name to win a beautiful quilt that was made and donated by our Beulah Quilters. So everyone come and join in our celebration and Ice Cream Social.

Reprinted from the April, 1995 issue of the Beulah Valley Word.