James Neill Bourne Sr.

Family moved to Valparaiso for most of Jim’s childhood and then the family eventually made Lincoln their home.

Jim attended Lincoln Southeast High School and was the 1st graduation class of LSE in 1956.

Jim then joined the Air Force with his buddy Ernie. After bootcamp Jim was stationed in San Antonio working in the Supply Department.

Jim left the Air Force after four years with an Honorable Discharge and married Charlotte Jane Byers on June 26, 1960. Jim and Char had three children and moved between Nebraska and Texas with dad experiencing many job opportunities associated in the Sales Area, including Fed Mart, Farmers Insurance Group, Executive Motorhome and Vespa Scooter stores. Jim also owned Jim’s Liquor Store with Jim Kyles and then opened the Farmer's Daughter restaurant in the Capitol Beach area.

Jim then joined the Hilton Hotel in Lincoln Nebraska working his way up to Assistant General Manager. He was lucky enough to meet many famous people as they came to Lincoln to entertain including Elvis, Red Skelton and Anne Murray along with many others.

Jim then joined a couple of Travel Agencies focusing on companies who needed assistance for their company meetings. Jim started his own travel company, MIC (Meetings Incentives and Conventions) until his retirement.

Jim was one of the first Sowers in the early days of The Sowers Club of Lincoln, joining in 1977. He served on the board of directors for many years, and was president in 1986 and again in 2005. In 2002, Jim was honored as The Sower of the Year award, given to members who are actively involved in club events and functions, as well as serving in the community as a club representative and volunteer.

Jim and Charlotte had many great friends to join in the fun for their gatherings to watch Husker Games and have dinner at The Legion and Misty's.

Dad entered Hospice and passed away joining Charlotte, who had passed December 21, 2022. Her passing hit Dad hard and he adjusted to her being gone after a couple of months but he couldn’t keep going by himself and really began his journey to Charlotte a couple of months ago.

Jim is survived by:

Children - Robin (Kendall) Curry, Kelly (Mark) Sneed, James Bourne Jr.

Grandchildren - Brian (Brooklyn) Curry, Kyle (Katherine Milling) Curry, Alyssa Curry, Avery (Blake) Meyers, Samuel Sneed, Great Grandchildren - Blair, Drew and Barrett Meyers, Cash Sneed.

Siblings- Kenneth (Alice Ann) Bourne, Phyllis Vensky, George (Kathy) Bourne, Duane (Phyllis) Bourne, Brother-In-Law Richard (Kay) Byers, Sister-In-Law Linda Pappas (Gene Oglesby), Close Family Friend Nick Pappas, Many Nieces and Nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by:

Parents, In-Laws William and Alberta (Leybold) Byers, Brother Gary Bourne, Sister Barbara Bourne Stanley, Brother-In-Law Robert Byers

Graveside Service with Full Military Honors at 1:30pm, Monday, November 20, 2023 at Lincoln Memorial Park 6700 So. 14th St. Meet at Gate 2 approximately 1:15 pm. Jim requested casual attire.

“UPDATED Gathering Information”

Gathering following service at Tanners at 27th and Yankee Hill, 8600 S 33rd Street, 2 pm to 5 pm.

Memorials to Eastridge Presbyterian Church Lincoln, Nebraska and Sowers Club Scholarship Fund