James Martin VanWesten passed away in Lincoln, Nebraska on May 17, 2024 at the age of 75 after receiving Last Rites. He was born May 20, 1948, in Fairbury, Nebraska to Donavon and Anna Marie (Landkamer) VanWesten.  He was immediately given a blood transfusion, donated by his father, and was administered the sacraments of Baptism and Last Rites.

He grew up on a farm north of Alexandria and attended country school, then Alexandria High School where he graduated in 1966. He also attended Fairbury Junior College and Kearney College.

He married Ellen Culp on April 28, 1973 at St. Mary's Catholic church in Alexandria, where he was a lifelong member. This union was blessed with three children, Laura, Jason, and Jeremy. 

He worked at the Department of Roads in Fairbury, Nebraska for 38 years, then was a Rural Mail Carrier for 8 years. He retired in 2017. He was an EMT with the Alexandria Fire department for many years, and he served his church for years as an acolyte.

Jim loved sports, playing baseball, football, track, and basketball in high school, and played softball for over 25 years. His goal was to play softball with his youngest brother, which he did. He coached softball and baseball, including coaching his brothers and sons.. He was an official umpire, umpiring many years. He also enjoyed going to Nebraska football and baseball games. He especially liked going to his grandchildren's school activities and sporting events.

Jim was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He also loved his granddog, Ella, though he didn't admit it. And she loved him for his love of bananas, which she loved too.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws, his son-in-law, Cary Steele, 2 sisters-in-laws, his nephews, Peyton VanWesten and Maverick Hoins, and several nieces and nephew in-laws.

He leaves to mourn his loss his wife of 51 years, Ellen, his daughter, Laura Steele of Lincoln, his sons, Jason (Lisa) of Beatrice, and Jeremy of Alexandria. Also, six grandchildren, Grace and Donovan Steele, Austin Hinz and Kelsie (Dijon) Roberts, and Kylee and James VanWesten, and one great grandchild, Baker Roberts. Also, by his siblings, Jean (Lynn) Smith of Tobias, Roger of Alexandria, Robert (Deb) of Alexandria, Donna (John)Rut of Daykin, Peggy (Mark) Niederklein of Tobias, Ellen (Mike) Long of Hebron, Glenn (Tallie) of Plattsmouth, Carla (Doug) Hoins of Superior, and Jay (Staci) of Tobias. Also, sister-in-laws, Carol Aude of Belvidere, Wilma (Jose) Bonilla of Tobias, Terri (Steve) Holtzen of Stromsburg, Mari (Raymond) Bowman of Jetmore, Kansas, Denise (Daryl) Andersen of Wahoo, Gail Gilliam of Chester and brother-in-law Dale of Hebron. Also, many other friends and relatives, as Jim didn't know a stranger.

Rosary will be at Gerdes-Meyer funeral home on Tuesday, May 21 at 5 p.m. with visitation following the Rosary. Funeral mass will be Wednesday, May 22 at 10 a.m. at St. Michaels Catholic Church in Fairbury. Burial will be in the Alexandria Catholic Cemetery with lunch following at the school gym in Alexandria. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace.