James Boucher

James E. Boucher, aged 84 of Valley, Nebraska. Preceded in death by his beloved wife, Carolyn K. Boucher, sister Judith Smith, and parents Fred and Wilma Boucher. James was born in Council Bluffs, Iowa, and raised in Omaha, Nebraska. He was a Central High School graduate in 1958, received a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the University of Nebraska Omaha, and later, a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He then spent many fulfilling years working as a mechanical engineer and was a Nebraska Professional Engineer Emeritus, 47 years of continuous licensed practice; ASME life member. He finally retired from Tenaska Inc. in 2016. James’ hobbies included recreational soccer, watersports (sailboarding, paddleboarding, and sailing), and spending time with his family. In recent years, he divided his time enjoying sailing on his sailboat “Sea Kay 2” in Nebraska, at the Branched Oak Marina, and his live-aboard sailboat “Just Enough” in St. Augustine, Florida, at the River’s Edge Marina. Love is and has always been a steady presence in the Boucher family. His love for his family was heavily ingrained in him, and obvious to those surrounding him. The love he and Carolyn shared was inspiring and carried the family through the years. This abundance of love will carry on in all current and future generations, thanks to James and his dedication to his family and the importance of sharing the love. In the 1980s, Jim helped launch CYO Soccer in Valley, working alongside a group of dedicated local soccer enthusiasts. His legacy lives on not just in the soccer fields, but also at the corner of Gardiner and Mayne Street—where you’d often find him kicking a ball, tossing a baseball with his children and friends, or tending lovingly to Carolyn’s famous flower gardens. James and Carolyn moved to Valley, Nebraska in the 1970s with their small family of five, and over the next 50+ years, his roots in the community deepened along with his pride in calling Valley home. Though his two runs for mayor didn’t lead to office, they were spirited, fun adventures that reflected his passion for the town. His home in Valley was where his heart belonged; this is where he and Carolyn raised most of their children. He was a proud and loving father of 8. James Schafer, Robert (Sarah) Schafer, Steven (Jodie) Schafer, Kent (Lisa) Boucher, Kevin (Kris) Boucher, Susan (Rick) O’Donnell, Matthew (Kristin) Boucher, Sarah (Chris) Kranjc. The proud grandfather of 24 Grandchildren; Meghan, Kevin(Krissie), Liam, Jack, Ty, Ethan, Jeff, Patrick(Rhonda), Christopher, Anna-Marie, Austin, Jakob(Jayden), Jenna, Keelie, Kade, Kaitlyn, Brian, Conner, Kaia, Bobby(Lexi), Chris, Travis(Heather), Courtney(Dan), and Tieler. 12 Great Grandchildren: MacLaine, Rockwell, Lisa, Charlotte, Carolyn, Bennett, Bearen, Josiah, Draven, Lainey, Alex, and Blake. Celebration of James' life will be held Sunday, July 27th, 12:00 to 3:00 PM at Reichmuth Funeral Home in Elkhorn. A private inurnment will be held at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Omaha. Memorials donations can be made to the family for later designation in care of "the family of James Boucher". There will be an afternoon luncheon at the VFW (Valley American Legion) 111 E Front Street in Valley from 3:30-6:30.

James Boucher

November 8, 1940 - July 4, 2025