James M. Headlee, 79, died Thursday, December 11, 1997 at the Bear Lake Memorial Hospital in Montpelier following a lingering illness.  He was born to Loren T. and Mary McDonald Headlee March 23, 1918 in Montpelier.  Jimmie spent his youth on his grandfather James McDonald's ranch in Montpelier Canyon.  He married Thorma Nelson October 17, 1938.  They lived in Montpelier for about eight years.  They purchased his grandfather's ranch and returned to the family homestead.  They raised hay and ran a thriving cow-calf operation.  Each summer they trailed cattle to the Crow Creek area and trucked the rest to Diamond Creek.  Jimmie also worked for the US Forest Service as a seasonal employee for 19 years.  Four years ago he and Thorma sold their ranch and moved back to Montpelier.  Jimmie enjoyed fishing and hunting.  He was an entertaining storyteller with a marvelous wit.  He was a member of the LDS Church.  Jimmie is survived by a daughter and three grandchildren.  Funeral services were held Monday, December 15 in the Montpelier Stake Center.  Burial was in the Montpelier Cemetery.