James Thorpen

Dr. James Werts Thorpen, M.D. December 17, 1929 - October 30, 2010 Funeral services for Dr. James W. (Doc) Thorpen, M.D. will be held Friday, November 5, 2010 at Highland Park Community Church at 11:00 AM. Visitation will be from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Thursday, November 4, 2010 at Bustard's Funeral Home. A short service will follow at the Oregon Trail State Veteran's Cemetery chapel. Officiating will be Chaplain E. Ellis Kastor. Dr. Thorpen passed away October 30, 2010 at his home in Casper. He was 80 years old. Affectionately known to everyone as "Doc", he was born at St. Vincent's Hospital in Billings, Montana on December 17, 1929 to Margaret and Henry Thorpen. Shortly afterwards his family moved to Cody, where Doc spent his youth growing into a handsome and adventurous young man. After graduating from Dartmouth College in 1952 he earned his medical degree from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland. This was followed by his rotating general internship at St. Luke's and Children's Hospital in Denver, Colorado. Dr. Thorpen was commissioned as an ensign in the U.S. Naval Reserve in 1951, served on active duty from 1955 to 1957 aboard the U.S.S. Coral Sea as the flight surgeon and was honorably discharged with the rank of Lieutenant Commander in 1962. It was during his time in the Navy that he met his future wife Ellen Adie at the Naval Hospital at the Jacksonville Naval Air Station in Jacksonville, Florida. She was a contract nurse for the Navy working at the hospital. After his active duty, Dr. Thorpen served his residency in anatomic and clinical pathology at St. Luke's and Children's Hospital in Denver where he was named the Maytag Fellow in Pathology. After his residency he moved to Casper in 1961 with his wife Ellen to begin his practice in Pathology at the Natrona County Memorial Hospital. Dr. Thorpen practiced at the hospital for 32 years. Another aspect of Dr. Thorpen's career was his time as the Natrona County Coroner. He was elected in 1982 and retired from the Coroner's office in 2009. In all, he served the residents of Natrona County as their coroner for 27 years working in close contact with the members of law enforcement. Prior to serving as coroner in Natrona County he served as Deputy Coroner of Fremont County from 1961 to 1979. His professional memberships included the Wyoming State Medical Society, the American Society of Clinical Pathologists, the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, and the National Association of Medical Examiners. He was also a Diplomat of the National Board of Medical Examiners and certified in anatomic pathology by the American Board of Pathology. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Dr. Thorpen was an avid musician and his specialty was the tuba. Doc played instruments throughout his youth and during college. When he moved to Casper he was a member of the City Band and later the Wyoming Symphony Orchestra. But his true love was Dixieland Jazz. In the 1960's he and fellow local musicians formed the Salt Creek Jazz Band. The band performed around the state and region, and were fixtures at the Colonial Lounge, the Viking Restaurant, and the Ramada Inn in Casper. Doc continued to perform up until the time of his death. Doc lived life to the fullest and had many other avocations. He was often found roaming the prairie looking for arrowheads and artifacts. His antique Chris Craft kept him occupied when he was at Alcova Lake. He was an avid reader and book collector and would loan a book to a newly met friend or old comrade. For many years Doc and Ellen hosted the annual Coroner's picnic at their home. This brought together people from all over the community and much fun was had at these events. Local eateries around Casper will miss his presence, as he also loved to have meals out. It was his way of staying connected to the community after his retirement. Doc was also an educator. Throughout his professional career he lectured at meetings, schools, the Law Enforcement Academy in Douglas, and any place that asked. It was his willingness to share his knowledge that endeared him to many and not always in a formal setting. He took the time every day to answer questions from anybody that asked. Something he took great pride and enjoyment from was watching his grandchildren grow. He dearly loved them and spent many hours playing, talking, reading and teaching them. They will miss their Papa. Dr. Thorpen is survived by his three sons, Charles, James (Anne), and Patrick; seven grandchildren, Christina, Derek, Crystal, Cole, Connor, Sheridan, and Hayden; one sister Peg (Lee) Molesworth of Ventura, CA; nephew Tom Molesworth of Chico, CA; niece Leslie (Tim) Callahan of Cody; and nephew Jim (Kara) Molesworth of San Marcos, CA. Doc was preceded in death by his parents and his loving wife, Ellen. Bustards Funeral Directors are in charge of the service arrangements. Memorials may be made to the James and Ellen Thorpen Instrumental Music Fund, in care of the Casper College Foundation at 125 College Dr., Casper, WY 82601.

Visitation

Thursday, November 4, 2010 8:00am - 8:00pm