Judy A. Bouc

She was born December 20, 1963, in Newcastle, Wyoming, at a home for unwed mothers and was later placed with the Nebraska Children’s Society in Omaha. For the first four months of her life she had not yet been given a name, but she was never unknown to God. In His perfect timing, she was lovingly adopted by Robert and Jean Harris. The Lincoln Journal Star even featured the joyful moment with a photo of Judy and her new family under the headline, “Little Miss No-Name Finds a Home.” What began as a story of uncertainty became a life filled with love, purpose, and the unmistakable hand of God.

Judy grew up in Gering, Nebraska, where her love for the outdoors first took root. She was captivated by nature and loved spending time hiking and exploring. In high school she was a cheerleader, participated in speech and debate, played in the band, and competed in state piano competitions. Judy had a way of lighting up every room she entered. She was the friend everyone wanted by their side—especially if a little harmless mischief was involved.

She received a full-ride scholarship to Nebraska Wesleyan University and began pursuing Business Economics. Yet midway through college she sensed God redirecting her path toward teaching young hearts and minds. She transferred to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in education.

Judy met Jim Bouc while volunteering with Y-Pals. At first she thought he might be a good match for her roommate—but Jim had other plans. He arrived in his yellow Triumph convertible and took her to Dairy Queen for their first date. As the mint Dilly Bar she ordered began to melt, so did her heart as she was drawn to his magnetic personality. After four years of dating—and even nearly calling off the wedding—they were married on May 10, 1986.

God quickly revealed the powerful partnership they would become for His kingdom. On their honeymoon, they stopped to visit Jim’s uncle on the way to Branson and unexpectedly found themselves in a prayer meeting where both of them surrendered their lives to Christ. Later on their way home, they stopped to help a young girl whose car had broken down along the side of the road. They towed her vehicle to her home and spent time with her family, sharing Christ and praying together. That evening her father also gave his life to Jesus. Moments like these would become a beautiful pattern in Judy’s life—seeing a need, stepping in with love, and pointing others to Christ.

Judy first taught at Living Word School and later served as the Children’s Pastor at Christ’s Place Church. She also ministered through Grief Recovery, the Missions Team, and the Foreign Student Ministry, helping connect international students with families so they could experience the warmth of a Christian home in America.

Her heart for people extended far beyond the church walls. Judy worked with Kosovo refugees, even helping during the birth of a baby. Some of those she helped eventually lived with her family and were embraced as daughters. They became her “forever kids,” remaining part of her life even as they grew up and started families of their own.

While serving faithfully in ministry and raising her family, Judy also poured herself into the Lincoln community. She served on the UPCO Board, helping support low-income families and advocating for miles of new sidewalks in the neighborhood surrounding their first home on Madison Street. She was a peer counselor, led Purity Teas for young women, and served on the board—and later as Vice Chairman—of the Crisis Pregnancy Center when it was still a small and growing ministry. The mission of that organization reflected the very heart of Judy, and she rejoiced as she watched God expand its impact through the years.

Perhaps Judy’s deepest passion was leading women in the study of God’s Word. She loved digging into Scripture and often recalled sitting in her father’s office surrounded by law books and Latin Bibles, captivated by learning. Judy approached the Bible with both curiosity and reverence, always eager to understand it more deeply and apply it to everyday life.

Those who received her study notes and handouts knew how much time and prayer went into them. Her enthusiasm was contagious, her insight profound, and her humility genuine. She was real and transparent, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide her teaching. Many women who began that very first Bible study with her are still part of it today. You simply didn’t want to miss it—people only stepped away if they moved or started a new job. Over time the group became far more than a Bible study; it became a family and a powerful circle of prayer. Judy faithfully led that ministry for more than 36 years.

As much as Judy loved ministry, the greatest joy of her life was her family. Watching her children grow—and now seeing them raise children of their own who love the Lord—was one of her greatest blessings. Judy was their biggest cheerleader, their encourager, their chauffeur, and the ultimate backstage dance mom. She planned unforgettable parties and showers and would drive out in the middle of the night to find the perfect prop for a school project. She was constantly on her knees in prayer for her family and loved them fiercely and unconditionally.

But her heart overflowed when she became “Gigi.” Her grandchildren were the purest delight of her life. She loved sharing adventures, laughter, and the simple joys of life with them, creating memories that will forever live in their hearts. Her family walked closely beside her through this final season, and the innocent prayers of the little ones carried her in ways only heaven fully understands.

A book could not contain all the stories of the lives Judy touched. Even scrolling through her Facebook page reveals the countless friendships, prayers, and encouragement she shared. Everything about Judy’s life pointed people toward the goodness of God.

Her illness itself became a testimony. The Whipple surgery that Satan tried to stop gave her more than an extra year of life—time she used to love, encourage, and lead others to Christ. Even in the midst of her battle, Judy refused to let pancreatic cancer define her story.

God always knew that this little “No-Name Girl” would do mighty things.

She was—and forever will be—a daughter of the King.

Now she passes that baton to her daughters, who carry forward so many of her beautiful qualities. Judy taught all of us to live with hope, trusting that God walks beside us with a purpose and a plan. She reminded us that salvation is not earned by our works but received through knowing Him and sharing His love.

It is by the precious blood and sacrifice of Jesus that we are saved.

And as Judy entered the gates of heaven, she heard the words we all long to hear:

“Well done, my good and faithful servant.”

Survived by:

Husband – James (“Jim”) Bouc, Lincoln, NE

Daughters and spouses – Anna & Thomas VanDeventer (James, Fletcher, Margot), Omaha, NE; Molly & Duncan Yoder (Esther, Mabel, Francis, Walter), Portsmouth, VA; Moriah Bouc, Lincoln, NE

Adopted daughters – Zoe Beth & Tommy Yeoh (Ethan), San Francisco, CA; Angeline & Kah Kheng Khoo (Nathan, Ephraim, Anna, Thea), Lincoln, NE

Brother – Karl Harris

Nephews – Matt Harris (Addison, Jack); Sean & Shelby Harris (Mason, Collins)

Niece – Ashley Harris and fiancé Derek Baker

Preceded in death by:

Parents – Robert and Jean Harris

Aunt and Uncle – Mabel and Donald Davis

Four unborn children

Memorial service will be held on Monday March 30th at 11:00 am at Christ Place Church in Lincoln, NE. 1111 Old Cheney Rd, Lincoln, NE 68512.

Light luncheon to follow.

Judy has requested that everyone wear bright colors, no black. We also ask that people bring their favorite picture they have of Judy or a picture that reminds them of her to add to the guest book.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Judy’s Honor to the UNMC Pancreatic Cancer Innovation Fund (#01156820) at: The University of Nebraska Foundation, P.O. Box 82555, Lincoln, NE 68501. Please make checks payable to the “NU Foundation” and include on the memo line or enclosed note that the gift is in memory of Judy Bouc. Please visit http://www.nufoundation.org/funds/01156820 to make an online gift.

Additional gifts in honor of Judy may also be directed to:

Lincoln Pregnancy Center c/o Pat McCarthy, 111 Piazza Terrace, Lincoln, NE 68510.

Nebraska Children’s Home Society, 4939 South 118th St., Omaha, NE 68137.