Big Jim Cress, Central Star

James Richard “Jim” Cress was born December 8, 1942 in  Ben Hur, Virginia. Jim passed away of cancer in his home in Mesquite, Nevada, November 8, 2025. 

Jim was the eldest of three children. His siblings were Johnny Cress and sister Linda Cress Robbins. 

Jim grew up in Central and attended Central High where he was a star athlete.  He later attended Southeastern Louisiana University where he played basketball for two years. 

He earned his associates degree before moving on to semi-pro basketball. He met his first wife Jane Waldron of 60 years while attending college. Jim and Jane gave birth to Mark now 62, followed by Teri who passed away at 40. 

Jim is survived by his son Mark and wife Sue, his grandchildren Cory Cress and Cody Carlson, and his wife Kathie Cress. 

“Big Jim” as he was referred to by some, was loved by many and had a gift of “gab” in which he shared his stories with others, especially with his friends from the Senior Center in Thayne. 

He rarely met someone he did not like, and would go out his way to meet new people! He was called the “Mayor” because of his gift. 

His accomplishments were many but his greatest was his first wife Jane, his children, his grandchildren, and his newly-wedded wife Kathie, who sadly were married only one year. 

Jim and Kathie are members of the Emmanuel Bible Church in Thayne, Wyoming. Donations may be made to Thayne Senior Center, P. O. Box 1033, Thayne, Wymoing 83127. 

A “Celebration of Life” will be held at the Emmanuel Bible Church on US Highway 89, Thayne, Wyoming at 10:30 a.m. on June 6, 2026. Please do not send flowers.