James "Jim" Priefert

Jim was born on August 18, 1951, in Fairbury, Nebraska, to Kenneth Burdette Priefert and Louise Wheatly (Dugger) Priefert. The youngest of three boys, he carried an enduring enthusiasm for sports, and in his early years, he rode the bus into town with his mother, where she taught elementary school. Jim graduated from Fairbury High School in 1969.

After high school, Jim worked a wide variety of jobs, including as a roofer and a packing plant worker, among others. He later ran his own painting contracting business and eventually became a union painter. Following a significant fall inside a power plant, Jim's work life took a new direction. He attended Metro Community College, where he studied to become a paralegal, and in the 1990s, he began a career with Union Pacific Railroad in the Legal Department.

On August 5, 2000, Jim married Karin Thompson Ravitz in Omaha. Together, they enjoyed traveling to historical sites, returning more than once to places that stirred Jim's deep interest. Little Bighorn Battlefield held a special place among those destinations, and Jim and Karin visited it twice. His love of learning, particularly about the history of the American West, remained a constant thread throughout his life.

Music was another lasting passion. A self-taught guitarist, Jim played in several bands, finding joy in the shared rhythm of performance and friendship. The Pelican Peace Band was inducted into the Iowa Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004, and the Skydancer Band was inducted into the Iowa Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2008. Jim often spoke fondly of his bandmates, especially his good friend, Daniel Nissly.

Jim also held fast to the traditions he loved. He was a true, lifelong Nebraska Cornhusker football fan, and for him, the first day of football season was as exciting as Christmas. He cherished time outdoors as well, hunting with good friends for many years. He also grew especially fond of his German Shorthaired Pointer hunting dogs. Jim enjoyed fishing, and his deep-sea fishing trip in the Gulf of Mexico with his nephews stood among his most treasured highlights.

Jim is survived by his wife, Karin; stepdaughter, Rachel (David) Strauss; granddaughters, Autumn and Kyra Strauss; stepson, Benjamin (Jeonghwa) Ravitz; brother, Jerry (Barbara) Priefert; sister-in-law, Connie Priefert; nephews, Jason Priefert and Ryan (Angie) Priefert; nieces, Lisa (Nate) Hill, Carrie (Rockie) Billie, Angie (Cory) Jensen, and Debbie (Joe) Techar; and many great-nieces and great-nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Louise, and his brother, Richard.

A funeral service for Jim will be held on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Kahler Dolce Mortuary, 441 North Washington Street, Papillion, NE 68046, with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. The Committal Service will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Papillion, NE.