Jim, Dad, is backbone of the family band, and the rhythm guitar player ever since his children began music in 1996. It was his goal to have an entire "live played" band. He is a busy General Contractor, enjoys hunting, and very much loves his family! He & family are founders of the Gospel Messengers Music Festivals , which began in Cody in 1998. He is a Gideon in their local camp. His family believes he is a top notch, amazing father and husband.
Marilene, Mom, is the bass fiddle player & the song teacher. She keeps busy being a wife and homeschool mother. She is dad's reliable secretary, & enjoys tons of company! She was nominated and awarded "Wyoming Young Mother Representaive of the Year", in 2000, by American Mothers, Inc.
Benjamin James,26 the first Banjo picker, married a wonderful girl, Alyssa Richard, on May 1, 2010. He helped his dad in const. since age 13, then went into aviation, and is a busy charter/corporate pilot and flight instructor in Cody, Wyo.and has logged 3000+ hours. He is currently completing his final subjects for a bachelor's degree in Aviation Science. The the family sure misses traveling with him, but they are so thankful for the years he could go along on ministry tours! All are so thankful for the Lord's blessings on his and Alyssa's lives!
Kimberly Dawn,24, is the oldest daughter,and previous fiddle player, also harmony and lead singer, who is known for her warm smile, and caring ways. She married a very good young man, Kevin Sorrell, on April 18, 2009 and she now lives in Edmond, near oklahoma City, OKlah. where Kevin works in accounting. She owns and operates a home care business, and keeps busy being an excellent homemaker! They both continue to join the family on some prison ministry singing events & tours. Their first baby, Kandis Danae Sorrell, was born Dec. 29, 2010! Lord willing they plan to bring her on part of the family prison tour this winter!
Joseph Stan,22 , mandolin and guiter player, was the first born of twins. He’s a quiet,talented and dependable guy! : ) He is dad's right hand man in construction, beginning at age 9. Also he a great hunter and an excellent hunting guide! Joe is an exemplary,hard working young man, bringing honor to his Lord! He won 2nd place on his Mandolin in a state contest a number of years ago and was always excellent in school.
Julie Ann,22 is Joe’s twin, an enthusiastic, multi- talented young lady. She has done some yodeling and also plays bass and sings lead or harmony parts. She enjoys working with horses and is currently a CNA and does Home Health Care for elderly. For several yers she worked in food services. At home she does most of the family laundry, ironing, animal chores, irrigation, & has the gift of gourmet cooking.
Karissa Lorae, 19, violin fiddler, lead singer, & works as a busy Para Sub, (assists teachers for the Cody Public schools). She also works part time in Home health care. Now she is the family's seamstress, and a big help teaching her siblings school, and adds much joy and laughter in the family and is an excellent cook & homemaker!
Duane Lee,17 originally the Dobro player, is now also banjo picking on various songs! He is also our bass singer. He adds witty humor to our home conversations, and works hard, long hours with his brother and Dad in construction.
Kaylena Rose, 14 is full of energy! She plays violin duets and participates nicely in lead singing. She especially loves having company, going to Bible events,garage sales, shopping, and values her girl-friends. She keeps busy with Math, helping with lawn work, and babysitting neighbor kids.
Luanna Joy, 11 is an academic, quiet natured, gifted gal. She finds it easy to sing lead or harmony parts.She has a servants heart, and loves much reading of the Bible and good books, and is way ahead in school. She did well raising chickens and providing & selling fresh eggs and enjoys her miniature pony and donkey!
JaLynn Rae, almost 8, is a bouncy, smiling sweetheart. :0) She is a good lead singer, & is constant companion & teacher to her brother David. She loves her miniature pony, and cat! She spends much of her free time out-doors. : ) She is well into 4th grade already and loves Awana and her friends.
David Wesley 4, How he loves "singing' and is a talkative boy! He loves Choo-choo trains and recently requested we change his nick-name to "Train Trac." He enjoys Lego's, and just started kindergarten! Going to Awana is his favorite activity. He wants to be a construction worker like Dad & Joe, when he gets big. He does many errands around the house, and is kind to other children his family babysits. He is expressive regarding his thoughts and often expresses love, loyalty, & affection for his family.
