James Frazier “Jim” Colombe, 77
March 4, 1946 ~ April 2, 2023
MISSION – James Frazier “Jim” Colombe, 77 made his journey to the Spirit World on April 2, 2023.
Jim Colombe a well-known Indian Cowboy from the Rosebud Sioux Reservation, was born in 1946 at Rosebud. He was one of six boys and three girls born to Mervyn and Vesta Colombe. The Colombe family history is full of cowboys and horseman, so he fit right in carrying on the family tradition. He was always proud to represent his family and his people. He grew up on a horse with his brothers on the Colombe Ranch, where ranching, rodeo and horses became his life. Throughout his youth, he raised and broke horses with his family.
After graduating from Todd County High School in Mission in 1964, he left for Dallas, TX where he learned to barber. He met people from all walks of life; there he gained a wide education. He joined the Marines in 1966, serving his time in Viet Nam. When his tour was over, he returned to Dallas where he spent time in the horse world on ranches and at rodeos, soaking up stories and lessons from the old cowboys and trainers.
Jim met and married Jackie Whitman in 1972; they lived at his family ranch in Mission, now known as At War Ranch. Their son, Guy, rode bareback in various associations after he graduated in 1985. They raised registered quarter horses (performance horses). That was Jim’s dream, “to raise a few good horses.” His dream was realized when his mare bred to Brian Fulton’s stud, A Streak of Fling, has a 2006 stallion that won breeder of the year in 2011 for AQHA Hi-Point Jr Tie-Down Roping Horse. The stallion was sold to Joe and Carla Spitz from Lamar, CO in 2008.
Throughout his life he loved rodeo. He participated in all aspects from pushing calves and steers to riding cows, bareback and bulls and team roping to judging rodeos. He participated in the SDRA Association and Great Plains Indian Association.
The virtues of honesty and integrity instilled by his parents was very important in his life.
He is survived by wife Jackie Colombe; son Guy Colombe; grandkids: Taylor, Riggin & River Colombe; stepgrandsons Lance Pablo & Lane Sandoval; sisters: Patricia Menck & Barbara Bordeaux; and brothers: Bob, Richard ‘Skinny’ & Wayne ‘Red’ Colombe.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers: George ‘Tucker’ & Charlie Colombe; sister Elaine (Mick) Jones; half-sister Toby Farmer and his very special granddaughter Feather Colombe.
Casket Bearers were Tigh Cowan, Treg Cowan, Richard ‘Buckin Horse’ Marshall, Wes Colombe, Clyde Cauliflower, Clay Colombe, Henry Jones, Duane Lafferty. Honorary Bearers were all Jim’s Friends and Family members.
Funeral Services for Jim Colombe were Saturday, April 8, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at the SGU Multipurpose Building at 101 Antelope Lake Circle in Mission. SD.
Burial was in the Colombe Family Cemetery – Mission, SD. Traditional Prayers by Jerome LeBeau Sr. MC: Bill Means Military Rites & Honors by the Marine Honor Guard.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to Holmes Funeral Home, Valentine, NE.
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