Date of Birth:
Thursday, March 28, 1985
Date of Death:
Thursday, March 19, 2026
Age:
40 years old

James P. Pappas

James Peter Pappas was born in Lander, Wyoming, on March 28, 1985. He was the son of Peter James (Anissa) Pappas, formerly of Lander, Wyoming and currently of Augusta, Georgia, and Katie (Mark) Gronberg of Orono, Minnesota.

James was recently hospitalized at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Regrettably, on March 19, 2026, James passed away as a result of complications from a chronic illness.

James grew up in Orono, Minnesota, and spent his summers and vacations in Lander, Wyoming. Throughout his life, he remained closely connected to his father’s family in Georgia and to his mother’s family in Minnesota.

As a youth and young adult, James enjoyed playing hockey, fishing, and spending time with friends and family. He later pursued training in automobile mechanics, where he was recognized as Student of the Year for his dedication and skill.

At the age of fifteen, James moved to Lander, Wyoming, where he resided in the Lander/Riverton area throughout his adult life. As an adult, he became an avid and skilled golfer. He also continued to enjoy fishing, skiing, snowboarding, and many of the outdoor activities that Wyoming offers.

James had a charming and jovial personality. His laugh—more like a joyful, infectious giggle—brought warmth to those around him. He was deeply affectionate and known for giving the very best hugs. James was a genuinely appreciative person who found joy in life’s simple pleasures. He loved to cook and garden, had a special fondness for his dogs, and deeply cherished his companion, Ceila.

He was loved and respected by all who knew him and maintained many close friendships throughout his life.

James was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, James and Betty Pappas of Augusta, Georgia, and his maternal grandparents, Don and Ardis Houck of Excelsior, Minnesota.

He is survived by his mother, Katie (Mark) Gronberg of Orono, Minnesota, and his father, Peter (Anissa) Pappas of Augusta, Georgia. He is also survived by his half-sisters, Michelle (Larry) Ennis, Pamela (Tony) Davison, and Hannah (Jacob) Lisca; his uncle, Steven (Abby) Houck; his aunts Margaret Colvin (Georgia), Carol Davis (Minnesota), Sandy Houck (Minnesota), and Diana Throgmorton (California); his uncle, Steve Houck of Minnesota; his great-aunt, Alstienne Bowman of South Carolina; as well as ten first cousins, five nieces and nephews, and one grandnephew.

James was a cherished person and will be deeply missed by many.

Memorial donations can be made to the Riverton, WY chapter of AA at 307-851-2485.

May his memory be eternal.