James "Jim" Ray Waller, 79, of Lincoln, Nebraska, formerly of Columbus, Nebraska, passed away Wednesday, May 3, 2023, at his home in Lincoln after a long battle with medical challenges.
The funeral service will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, May 13th at Gass Haney Funeral Home in Columbus with Pastor Mitch Larson officiating and military honors by the American Legion Hartman Post 84. Visitation will be on Saturday, from 9:30 AM until service time, also at the funeral home. Private family interment will be held. A public reception will be held following the service.
Jim was born August 12, 1943 in Holdrege, Nebraska to Ernest Byron and Helen Mercedes “Mert” Waller. He graduated from Shelton High School in 1962 before joining the Navy from 1964-1968. Jim married the love of his life, Jane (Ledford) Waller April 15, 1972 in David City, Nebraska. They lived in David City while he was a local police officer before moving to Columbus. There they lived for many years raising their family (James “JR”, Jennifer “Jenny”, Jeffrey “Jeff” and Julie) until Jane passed away on May 5, 1997.
After Jane's death, Jim moved from Columbus to Slidell, Louisiana to be closer to his siblings. His journey took him from Louisiana to Florida, and then to North Carolina before coming back home to Nebraska.
Jim was not only a son to two wonderful parents, he was also a brother to four siblings (Sharon Grell, Byron Waller, Jean Paprocki, and Nancy Price) a brother-in-law to five (Dick Grell, Patricia Waller, Larry Paprocki, Jim Price and John Ledford), a cousin to many, and a friend to all.
Outside of his family, Jim touched many people throughout his life, no matter if it was having a good time at family gatherings, joking around with his children’s friends, or talking with someone at the local Kwik Shop over Saturday morning coffee. He was a genuinely great person. He was funny, fun-loving, quick-witted, caring, and compassionate.
More than anything, Jim was a loving husband who deeply missed his wife. He was a caring father who supported his kids in numerous endeavors and cherished the time he spent with them. He enjoyed working on projects with his kids, growing tomatoes, jalapeno peppers, doing yard work, or just laying out in the sun.
Not only was Jim an amazing father, he was also a wonderful grandfather who adored spending time with each of his 13 grandkids. Jim will be missed dearly by all that knew him.
Survivors include: two sons, James R. Jr. (Becky) of Waverly Nebraska, Jeffrey S. (Lorraine) of Charlotte, North Carolina, two daughters, Jennifer L. (Doug) and Julie K. of Lincoln Nebraska.
Grandchildren: Sabra L. Baustert, Logan J. Waller, Payton J. Peters, Scarlett H. Baehr, Sydney J. Waller, Jamyson T. Waller, Braydon C. Waller, Jayden E. Dundas, Jackson X. Dundas, Jett L. Dundas, Jordan A. Dundas, Sarah J. Waller, Emily K. Waller.
Jim was predeceased by his father (Ernest Byron Waller), mother (Helen Mercedes “Mert” Waller), wife (Jane Waller), mother-in-law (Maria L. Ledford), brother-in-law (John Ledford) and sister (Sharon Grell).
Source: Gass Haney Funeral Home
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