Jim was a proud American Veteran who courageously served his country with the US Navy, US Army and US Air Force for over 30 years. Jim was one of a kind and, being that his birthday was the 4th of July, he was destined to be a true American patriot. Jim was born in Marcell, Minnesota and helped on his family farm until he graduated from high school. After graduation, he joined the Navy and served throughout the South Pacific during World War II, sailing to Tokyo Bay as the war came to an end. He later joined the Army for service during the Korean War and subsequently switched to the Air Force after it was established in 1947. In 1952 during his early AF career, Jim took part in atom bomb testing, positioned in a foxhole in the Nevada Desert as part of Operation Tumbler Snapper -- something he dutifully kept secret until it was declassified in 1994. Despite the devastating effects of the massive radiation he experienced, Jim was proud of his time in service to his country and was honored to be recognized as an Atomic Veteran, one of a fortunate few who survived long enough to tell their story.
After his retirement from the Air Force as a Chief Master Sergeant in 1975, Jim worked for Boeing Aircraft Company as a test manager for the B-1 Bomber. Upon retirement from Boeing, Jim unselfishly spent his retirement years volunteering at nursing homes and the Omaha VA Medical Center helping his fellow Veterans and their families. Jim was a founding member of the Veterans Advisory Group in 2011, contributing greatly to the success of the group and revered for his common sense and tenacity. Jim was also an active member and volunteer at St. Mary's Church in Bellevue as part of the Legion of Mary and Perpetual Adoration.
Jim was a dedicated husband to his wife Jean who preceded him in death in 2010. He was a beloved father of four children, grandfather of 10 and great-grandfather of 10. Jim will be greatly missed by his family and many friends.
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