McCollum, 20, met challenges head-on
Marine Lance Cpl. Rylee James McCollum was killed in action on Aug. 26 in Kabul, Afghanistan, while assisting in evacuation efforts at Hamid Karzai International Airport. He was 20. His family provided this following.
Sep 15, 2021 - Jackson Hole News & Guide
In Rylee's short 20 years and six months he lived a lifetime.
Rylee was born Feb. 26, 2001 in Riverton. His early years were spent in Dubois. At the age of 6, Rylee moved to Jackson with his father, Jim, and his sisters, Cheyenne and Roice. It was in this mountain community that Rylee learned about love, life, loss, hardships and hard work.
Life came at Rylee hard, but he found a way to meet the challenges and come out on the other side! Usually with his warm smile and great sense of humor! His infectious laugh and smile always lit up the room.
As Rylee worked his way through the schools in the Teton County School District, he left ample memories. Some everlasting, some unforgettable and some that we only wish we could forget! But that was Rylee. He approached life head-on and did things his way. It was that approach and the lessons learned that helped mold him into the wonderful person that he became.
Rylee found a passion for wrestling early on. Though he wasn't always the most talented or most athletic, it would be hard to find someone who worked harder to get better. Each loss in his young wrestling career fueled the fire to find a way to win ...which he did! One of his shining moments was winning a Triple Crown at the state tournament, without allowing a single point to be scored against him.
Rylee enjoyed the times we loaded up our vehicle with gear and a few other wrestlers and traveled across the Intermountain West to go to tournaments. He was always learning and always willing to teach and share to help someone else get better. Always making someone laugh, smile or feel like they were a winner. Some of Rylee's best friendships were those he made in the wrestling community.
In a recent call from a fellow Marine, one fun story shared was about wrestling. Simply put, "That kid could wrestle!"
Rylee had a desire to do something and be something greater than he was. He had always shown admiration and respect for the military, the country and in particular the USMC. Conversations often led to a desire to be a Marine. On Rylee's 18th birthday he made that choice, to offer his service to the country and do what it took to become one of the Few and the Proud. He graduated Marine Corps Boot Camp at Camp Pendleton, on Dec. 6, 2019.
Rylee deployed to Jordan in April of 2021, with the 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines ...the 2-1!
As his story unfolded and developed, he became the man that I knew he would be. Humble, selfless and heroic. He gave his life helping others. Meeting the challenges head-on and doing what he knew was right for another. Even those he didn't know.
Growing up in western Wyoming afforded Rylee the opportunities to enjoy the beautiful country that he lived in. Fishing, hiking, camping, hunting and shooting were things he enjoyed doing with friends and family.
Spending time at his grandfather's cabin in Bondurant was something Rylee always loved. Surrounded by national forest, adventures were never too far away. Shortly before Rylee's enlistment the cabin was lost in a forest fire. Rylee loved seeing the progress of the new construction that his father and sister were making, and was looking forward to coming home to see it. In the few calls we were able to have with him, he always asked how far along we were and said he couldn't wait to start making new memories at "The Cabin" with his wife, their baby and the family.
Shortly after his Marine Corps graduation, Rylee met his wife Jiennah (Gigi). They married On Valentine's Day 2021, and are expecting their baby Sept. 22. Rylee was excited to become a father. Rylee could not have found a better partner to share his life with. The family fell in love with her as well the very first time we met her. As the family has gotten to know her better, it has become apparent they share the same generous heart. Always thinking of others.
Some of the fondest memories of Rylee are the simplest times shared with him. Card games, stories, family trips and holidays. He always kept us laughing and smiling ... usually at his expense!
Rylee is survived by his father, Jim; his biological mother Kathy Plummer; his sisters, Cheyenne (A.J.) May, Roice and Stephenie; niece Asher May; his grandfather Ed McCollum; maternal grandmother Kathleen Hanley; aunts Cindy McCollum and Cherie Flores, as well as numerous cousins.
He is preceded in death by his loving grandmother Laraine McCollum.
A celebration of life will be held at the end of October for friends, family, the members of the 2-1, as well as members of the community who wish to honor and celebrate the life of Lance Cpl. Rylee J. McCollum.
He's a hero in my eyes
I don't think that he knows
I'm proud of him and who he is
No matter where he goes
I've watched him win and lose
Sometimes, I want to be like him
Battled, broken, and bloodied
Only to rise again
I've seen him at his weakest
I've watched him conquer his fears
I've seen his arm raised in victory
Countless times over the years
Now is another chapter
To be all that he can be
He's my son
He's my Marine
He'll always be a hero to me
I love you man
— Wykid/Dad
Condolences may be sent to the McCollum family at Valley Mortuary, Box 9059, Jackson, WY
Marine Lance Cpl. Rylee James McCollum was killed in action on Aug. 26 in Kabul, Afghanistan, while assisting in evacuation efforts at Hamid Karzai International Airport. He was 20. His family provided this following.
Sep 15, 2021 - Jackson Hole News & Guide
In Rylee's short 20 years and six months he lived a lifetime.
Rylee was born Feb. 26, 2001 in Riverton. His early years were spent in Dubois. At the age of 6, Rylee moved to Jackson with his father, Jim, and his sisters, Cheyenne and Roice. It was in this mountain community that Rylee learned about love, life, loss, hardships and hard work.
Life came at Rylee hard, but he found a way to meet the challenges and come out on the other side! Usually with his warm smile and great sense of humor! His infectious laugh and smile always lit up the room.
As Rylee worked his way through the schools in the Teton County School District, he left ample memories. Some everlasting, some unforgettable and some that we only wish we could forget! But that was Rylee. He approached life head-on and did things his way. It was that approach and the lessons learned that helped mold him into the wonderful person that he became.
Rylee found a passion for wrestling early on. Though he wasn't always the most talented or most athletic, it would be hard to find someone who worked harder to get better. Each loss in his young wrestling career fueled the fire to find a way to win ...which he did! One of his shining moments was winning a Triple Crown at the state tournament, without allowing a single point to be scored against him.
Rylee enjoyed the times we loaded up our vehicle with gear and a few other wrestlers and traveled across the Intermountain West to go to tournaments. He was always learning and always willing to teach and share to help someone else get better. Always making someone laugh, smile or feel like they were a winner. Some of Rylee's best friendships were those he made in the wrestling community.
In a recent call from a fellow Marine, one fun story shared was about wrestling. Simply put, "That kid could wrestle!"
Rylee had a desire to do something and be something greater than he was. He had always shown admiration and respect for the military, the country and in particular the USMC. Conversations often led to a desire to be a Marine. On Rylee's 18th birthday he made that choice, to offer his service to the country and do what it took to become one of the Few and the Proud. He graduated Marine Corps Boot Camp at Camp Pendleton, on Dec. 6, 2019.
Rylee deployed to Jordan in April of 2021, with the 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines ...the 2-1!
As his story unfolded and developed, he became the man that I knew he would be. Humble, selfless and heroic. He gave his life helping others. Meeting the challenges head-on and doing what he knew was right for another. Even those he didn't know.
Growing up in western Wyoming afforded Rylee the opportunities to enjoy the beautiful country that he lived in. Fishing, hiking, camping, hunting and shooting were things he enjoyed doing with friends and family.
Spending time at his grandfather's cabin in Bondurant was something Rylee always loved. Surrounded by national forest, adventures were never too far away. Shortly before Rylee's enlistment the cabin was lost in a forest fire. Rylee loved seeing the progress of the new construction that his father and sister were making, and was looking forward to coming home to see it. In the few calls we were able to have with him, he always asked how far along we were and said he couldn't wait to start making new memories at "The Cabin" with his wife, their baby and the family.
Shortly after his Marine Corps graduation, Rylee met his wife Jiennah (Gigi). They married On Valentine's Day 2021, and are expecting their baby Sept. 22. Rylee was excited to become a father. Rylee could not have found a better partner to share his life with. The family fell in love with her as well the very first time we met her. As the family has gotten to know her better, it has become apparent they share the same generous heart. Always thinking of others.
Some of the fondest memories of Rylee are the simplest times shared with him. Card games, stories, family trips and holidays. He always kept us laughing and smiling ... usually at his expense!
Rylee is survived by his father, Jim; his biological mother Kathy Plummer; his sisters, Cheyenne (A.J.) May, Roice and Stephenie; niece Asher May; his grandfather Ed McCollum; maternal grandmother Kathleen Hanley; aunts Cindy McCollum and Cherie Flores, as well as numerous cousins.
He is preceded in death by his loving grandmother Laraine McCollum.
A celebration of life will be held at the end of October for friends, family, the members of the 2-1, as well as members of the community who wish to honor and celebrate the life of Lance Cpl. Rylee J. McCollum.
He's a hero in my eyes
I don't think that he knows
I'm proud of him and who he is
No matter where he goes
I've watched him win and lose
Sometimes, I want to be like him
Battled, broken, and bloodied
Only to rise again
I've seen him at his weakest
I've watched him conquer his fears
I've seen his arm raised in victory
Countless times over the years
Now is another chapter
To be all that he can be
He's my son
He's my Marine
He'll always be a hero to me
I love you man
— Wykid/Dad
Condolences may be sent to the McCollum family at Valley Mortuary, Box 9059, Jackson, WY
McCollum, 20, met challenges head-on
Marine Lance Cpl. Rylee James McCollum was killed in action on Aug. 26 in Kabul, Afghanistan, while assisting in evacuation efforts at Hamid Karzai International Airport. He was 20. His family provided this following.
Sep 15, 2021 - Jackson Hole News & Guide
In Rylee's short 20 years and six months he lived a lifetime.
Rylee was born Feb. 26, 2001 in Riverton. His early years were spent in Dubois. At the age of 6, Rylee moved to Jackson with his father, Jim, and his sisters, Cheyenne and Roice. It was in this mountain community that Rylee learned about love, life, loss, hardships and hard work.
Life came at Rylee hard, but he found a way to meet the challenges and come out on the other side! Usually with his warm smile and great sense of humor! His infectious laugh and smile always lit up the room.
As Rylee worked his way through the schools in the Teton County School District, he left ample memories. Some everlasting, some unforgettable and some that we only wish we could forget! But that was Rylee. He approached life head-on and did things his way. It was that approach and the lessons learned that helped mold him into the wonderful person that he became.
Rylee found a passion for wrestling early on. Though he wasn't always the most talented or most athletic, it would be hard to find someone who worked harder to get better. Each loss in his young wrestling career fueled the fire to find a way to win ...which he did! One of his shining moments was winning a Triple Crown at the state tournament, without allowing a single point to be scored against him.
Rylee enjoyed the times we loaded up our vehicle with gear and a few other wrestlers and traveled across the Intermountain West to go to tournaments. He was always learning and always willing to teach and share to help someone else get better. Always making someone laugh, smile or feel like they were a winner. Some of Rylee's best friendships were those he made in the wrestling community.
In a recent call from a fellow Marine, one fun story shared was about wrestling. Simply put, "That kid could wrestle!"
Rylee had a desire to do something and be something greater than he was. He had always shown admiration and respect for the military, the country and in particular the USMC. Conversations often led to a desire to be a Marine. On Rylee's 18th birthday he made that choice, to offer his service to the country and do what it took to become one of the Few and the Proud. He graduated Marine Corps Boot Camp at Camp Pendleton, on Dec. 6, 2019.
Rylee deployed to Jordan in April of 2021, with the 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines ...the 2-1!
As his story unfolded and developed, he became the man that I knew he would be. Humble, selfless and heroic. He gave his life helping others. Meeting the challenges head-on and doing what he knew was right for another. Even those he didn't know.
Growing up in western Wyoming afforded Rylee the opportunities to enjoy the beautiful country that he lived in. Fishing, hiking, camping, hunting and shooting were things he enjoyed doing with friends and family.
Spending time at his grandfather's cabin in Bondurant was something Rylee always loved. Surrounded by national forest, adventures were never too far away. Shortly before Rylee's enlistment the cabin was lost in a forest fire. Rylee loved seeing the progress of the new construction that his father and sister were making, and was looking forward to coming home to see it. In the few calls we were able to have with him, he always asked how far along we were and said he couldn't wait to start making new memories at "The Cabin" with his wife, their baby and the family.
Shortly after his Marine Corps graduation, Rylee met his wife Jiennah (Gigi). They married On Valentine's Day 2021, and are expecting their baby Sept. 22. Rylee was excited to become a father. Rylee could not have found a better partner to share his life with. The family fell in love with her as well the very first time we met her. As the family has gotten to know her better, it has become apparent they share the same generous heart. Always thinking of others.
Some of the fondest memories of Rylee are the simplest times shared with him. Card games, stories, family trips and holidays. He always kept us laughing and smiling ... usually at his expense!
Rylee is survived by his father, Jim; his biological mother Kathy Plummer; his sisters, Cheyenne (A.J.) May, Roice and Stephenie; niece Asher May; his grandfather Ed McCollum; maternal grandmother Kathleen Hanley; aunts Cindy McCollum and Cherie Flores, as well as numerous cousins.
He is preceded in death by his loving grandmother Laraine McCollum.
A celebration of life will be held at the end of October for friends, family, the members of the 2-1, as well as members of the community who wish to honor and celebrate the life of Lance Cpl. Rylee J. McCollum.
He's a hero in my eyes
I don't think that he knows
I'm proud of him and who he is
No matter where he goes
I've watched him win and lose
Sometimes, I want to be like him
Battled, broken, and bloodied
Only to rise again
I've seen him at his weakest
I've watched him conquer his fears
I've seen his arm raised in victory
Countless times over the years
Now is another chapter
To be all that he can be
He's my son
He's my Marine
He'll always be a hero to me
I love you man
— Wykid/Dad
Condolences may be sent to the McCollum family at Valley Mortuary, Box 9059, Jackson, WY
Marine Lance Cpl. Rylee James McCollum was killed in action on Aug. 26 in Kabul, Afghanistan, while assisting in evacuation efforts at Hamid Karzai International Airport. He was 20. His family provided this following.
Sep 15, 2021 - Jackson Hole News & Guide
In Rylee's short 20 years and six months he lived a lifetime.
Rylee was born Feb. 26, 2001 in Riverton. His early years were spent in Dubois. At the age of 6, Rylee moved to Jackson with his father, Jim, and his sisters, Cheyenne and Roice. It was in this mountain community that Rylee learned about love, life, loss, hardships and hard work.
Life came at Rylee hard, but he found a way to meet the challenges and come out on the other side! Usually with his warm smile and great sense of humor! His infectious laugh and smile always lit up the room.
As Rylee worked his way through the schools in the Teton County School District, he left ample memories. Some everlasting, some unforgettable and some that we only wish we could forget! But that was Rylee. He approached life head-on and did things his way. It was that approach and the lessons learned that helped mold him into the wonderful person that he became.
Rylee found a passion for wrestling early on. Though he wasn't always the most talented or most athletic, it would be hard to find someone who worked harder to get better. Each loss in his young wrestling career fueled the fire to find a way to win ...which he did! One of his shining moments was winning a Triple Crown at the state tournament, without allowing a single point to be scored against him.
Rylee enjoyed the times we loaded up our vehicle with gear and a few other wrestlers and traveled across the Intermountain West to go to tournaments. He was always learning and always willing to teach and share to help someone else get better. Always making someone laugh, smile or feel like they were a winner. Some of Rylee's best friendships were those he made in the wrestling community.
In a recent call from a fellow Marine, one fun story shared was about wrestling. Simply put, "That kid could wrestle!"
Rylee had a desire to do something and be something greater than he was. He had always shown admiration and respect for the military, the country and in particular the USMC. Conversations often led to a desire to be a Marine. On Rylee's 18th birthday he made that choice, to offer his service to the country and do what it took to become one of the Few and the Proud. He graduated Marine Corps Boot Camp at Camp Pendleton, on Dec. 6, 2019.
Rylee deployed to Jordan in April of 2021, with the 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines ...the 2-1!
As his story unfolded and developed, he became the man that I knew he would be. Humble, selfless and heroic. He gave his life helping others. Meeting the challenges head-on and doing what he knew was right for another. Even those he didn't know.
Growing up in western Wyoming afforded Rylee the opportunities to enjoy the beautiful country that he lived in. Fishing, hiking, camping, hunting and shooting were things he enjoyed doing with friends and family.
Spending time at his grandfather's cabin in Bondurant was something Rylee always loved. Surrounded by national forest, adventures were never too far away. Shortly before Rylee's enlistment the cabin was lost in a forest fire. Rylee loved seeing the progress of the new construction that his father and sister were making, and was looking forward to coming home to see it. In the few calls we were able to have with him, he always asked how far along we were and said he couldn't wait to start making new memories at "The Cabin" with his wife, their baby and the family.
Shortly after his Marine Corps graduation, Rylee met his wife Jiennah (Gigi). They married On Valentine's Day 2021, and are expecting their baby Sept. 22. Rylee was excited to become a father. Rylee could not have found a better partner to share his life with. The family fell in love with her as well the very first time we met her. As the family has gotten to know her better, it has become apparent they share the same generous heart. Always thinking of others.
Some of the fondest memories of Rylee are the simplest times shared with him. Card games, stories, family trips and holidays. He always kept us laughing and smiling ... usually at his expense!
Rylee is survived by his father, Jim; his biological mother Kathy Plummer; his sisters, Cheyenne (A.J.) May, Roice and Stephenie; niece Asher May; his grandfather Ed McCollum; maternal grandmother Kathleen Hanley; aunts Cindy McCollum and Cherie Flores, as well as numerous cousins.
He is preceded in death by his loving grandmother Laraine McCollum.
A celebration of life will be held at the end of October for friends, family, the members of the 2-1, as well as members of the community who wish to honor and celebrate the life of Lance Cpl. Rylee J. McCollum.
He's a hero in my eyes
I don't think that he knows
I'm proud of him and who he is
No matter where he goes
I've watched him win and lose
Sometimes, I want to be like him
Battled, broken, and bloodied
Only to rise again
I've seen him at his weakest
I've watched him conquer his fears
I've seen his arm raised in victory
Countless times over the years
Now is another chapter
To be all that he can be
He's my son
He's my Marine
He'll always be a hero to me
I love you man
— Wykid/Dad
Condolences may be sent to the McCollum family at Valley Mortuary, Box 9059, Jackson, WY
