Robert E. James October 6, 1934 to February 2, 2014

Robert E. James (Bob), passed away Sunday, February 2, 2014 in his home at the age of 79.

Services will be Friday, February 7, 2014; 11:00 A.M. at First United Methodist Church, Hastings with Pastor Tony Dawson officiating. Burial will be in Parkview Cemetery, Hastings, Nebraska. Visitation will be Wednesday, February 5, 2014; 5:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. and Thursday, February 6, 2014; 9:00 A.M. – 8:00 P.M. at the funeral home, and one hour prior to the service at the church. Memorials may be given to First United Methodist Church and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Robert Edwin James II was born October 6, 1934 in Bladen, Nebraska to Clarence & Emily (Soucek) James. He was educated in country schools and graduated from Bladen High School in 1952. He married Virginia Kile on April 15, 1956 at the Methodist Church in Bladen, Nebraska. To this union four children were born. The couple had the honor of sharing 57 years of love and marriage before Bob’s passing. Bob graduated from Mary Lanning School of Nursing in 1959 and Creighton School of Anesthesia in 1961. He administered anesthesia at Mary Lanning Memorial Hospital until 1973. He moved to Red Cloud, Nebraska in 1973 and served the Red Cloud, Superior and Minden Hospitals for over 25 years. He was often called upon to administer anesthesia in other hospitals throughout the Republican Valley. Bob and Virginia returned to Hastings in 2002. Bob was an active member of the First United Methodist Church. He was an active Master Mason with Charity Lodge No. 53 in Red Cloud and Order of Eastern Star Acacia Chapter of Hastings. He enjoyed Kiwanis and was a member of the American Association of Nurse Anesthetist serving as a Nebraska delegate in the 1960s.

Bob had a love of the outdoors. He enjoyed gardening, trees and animals. His love of medicine and nursing has transcended generations. He was a known treasure collector who appreciated a strong cup of coffee and good conversation. Most of all, he loved and cherished his family.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents and infant son Roger.

Survivors include:
Wife: Virginia (Kile) James - Hastings, NE
Son & Daughter-in-law: Ed & Jean James - Kearney, NE
Daughters & Sons-in-law: Marcia & Jim Donley - Hastings, NE
    Melissa & Adam Story - Hastings, NE
Grandchildren & Spouses: Kayla James
    Brett James
    Bryce James
    Brianna (Donley) & Tanner Ayer
    Laine (Donley) & Shane Vitosh
    Taryn Donley
    Kile Donley
    Eliza Donley
    Connor Story
    Brendan Story
Great-grandchildren: Hudson Ayer
    Emersyn Ayer
Brothers & Sisters-in-law: Russell & Verna James - Ottawa, IL
    Gayle & Kathy James - Aurora, NE
    Gary & Kathy Kile - Hastings, NE
Sisters-in-law: Eleanor Kile - Superior, NE
    JoAnne Meents - Blue Hill, NE
Many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends