James E. Kucera

James Kucera, a Navy veteran, loving husband, father and grandfather passed away, at home, on Memorial Day, at the age of 85 years old.

James is survived by his children Dawn (Tom) Mountz, Diane Fisher, Debra Kucera, Steve (Dawn)Kucera and “adopted” daughter Kim Reeher. He was so proud of his grandchildren Danielle, Jamie, Hannah, Amanda, Tyler James, Jason, Justin, Luba, Kasenia, Kyndra and Katie, along with his eight great grandchildren. 

He was preceded in death by his wife, JoAnn (Jensen) Kucera, their 8 month old son James John Kucera, his brothers Ron & John Kucera and his parents.

“Jim” was born in Clearwater, Nebraska to James and Marjorie (Hill) Kucera. He graduated from Neligh NE High School in 1955 and soon after joined the United States Navy. Jim was a Hospital Corpsman and Operating Room Technician, where he was able to participate in some of the first heart and lung transplant surgeries on the West Coast.

After a brief courtship, Jim married JoAnn Jensen on June 7, 1958 in San Diego, California. They were married until JoAnn‘s passing in November 2017. 

Jim loved to fish, garden and dance. He played trombone in his younger years and could be found watching polka bands on any given Friday or Saturday night.

Jim was a member of the Powell Butte Christian Church. While he loved his life on earth, he also loved the Lord and was looking forward to spending eternity with him. Jim will be laid to rest at the Oakdale Cemetery in Oakdale, NE. Contributions can be made to “Project Love” at the Powell Butte Christian Church in Jim’s name.

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