New hospital trustee — Retired railroad contractor fills vacancy
Photo by Walter Sprague James Burrough has become Weston County Health Services’ newest trustee following the death of former board member William Curley. He said he wants to help ensure that the facility remains in the community.
James Burrough has become Weston County Health Services’ newest trustee following the death of former board member William Curley.
Curley was elected Aug. 5, 2025, to fill one of the vacancies created when Nathan Ballard and Karine Wright West resigned. He died Feb. 4.
Weston County Health Services trustees appointed Burrough on March 9. He was the only candidate interviewed. His term will expire on May 5.
Trustee Ben Roberts said Burrough is a “good friend” and that he encouraged him to apply.
“I think you’ll be an asset, a very strong asset,” Roberts said.
Burrough told trustees he applied for the seat partly because of his family’s experiences with the hospital over the years.
During the interview, Burrough recalled experiences his wife’s family had at the hospital and said he wants to help ensure that the facility remains in the community.
“It’s always been a special place to us,” he said.
Burrough said he now has more time to volunteer after retiring from a career largely connected to the railroad industry.
He worked for railroad contractors for much of his career, including projects tied to Wyoming coal mines and rail infrastructure. As a young man, he moved to Wyoming while helping build rail lines serving coal mines. He later worked as a service representative for a company that leased equipment to railroads, traveling to job sites across the region.
Burrough said he and his wife, Suzanne, decided to settle in Newcastle after marrying in 1987 when she chose to pursue teaching in the community where she grew up.
He said he applied for the board position because he wants to become more involved in the community and help where
he can. Asked about concerns facing rural health care, Burrough said distance to medical care is a major issue for rural residents if local services disappear.
He noted that residents must already travel for some services, such as childbirth, and emphasized the importance of having emergency care available locally.
“The quick need for emergency care is very important,” he said. “And I think that this is a very good facility that I’ve seen through the years that the doctors and people that were here were very good at the time.”
Burrough also serves as Weston County Republican Party’s Precinct 5-3 committeeman.