James Rollin Sedivy

James R. “Jim” Sedivy was born July 31, 1951, in Plainview, Nebraska to Rollin and Agnes (Belak) Sedivy. Jim grew up in Plainview, Verdigre, and Pender, but the family moved to Valley, Nebraska and Jim graduated from Valley High School in 1969. As a young boy, Jim enjoyed shop class at school along with algebra and Phys Ed. Class. He started hunting and fishing at a young age and became a lover of cats. He later trained dogs to decoy hunt (mainly labs). When Jim graduated from High School, his mother began charging him room and board, so he went and got a job at Valmont Industries, and spent 42 years working there, when he could finally retire. At Valmont, they called him “Big Jim” because he was so strong. He was mainly a crane operator but filled numerous other roles. Jim married Janice Wilson on May 24, 1980, at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Valley and became a dedicated stepdad to her son, Matthew. The family made their home in Valley. Jim was a quiet, rock solid, courteous, observant, and honest man. He loved fishing in Minnesota, despite the mosquitos, and he enjoyed walking around Valley. He once found $150 on the highway that had been thrown out of a car, so he walked that route often. He collected coins, and liked to go metal detecting, another way he could find little treasures, such as rings or coins. He was a past member of the Omaha Metal Detecting club. Jim also took part in Cowboy Action Shooting, and he had fun dressing up in his Western wear for the competitions. He even took two years of dance classes at Arthur Murray. He took part in dance competitions, but his biggest win was meeting Jan there. Jim cherished his life with Jan and Matt and had a special place in his heart for his grandmother Christine, who lived in Creighton, Nebraska. He always looked forward to visiting his grandparents. Jim saved his money, and never liked trying to be on time, because he preferred a leisurely pace to life. He was a big Nebraska fan, and liked watching Western, action, or scary movies. Jim enjoyed dinner at Fernando’s and sipping Diet Mountain Dew. He was a lover of animals, especially his and Jan’s cats, and a totally dependable person who would never let anyone down. Jim passed away suddenly on March 19, 2024, at Methodist Hospital in Omaha at the age of 72 years, 7 months, and 19 days. He was preceded in death by parents Rollin & Agnes Sedivy grandparents, August and Christine, sister Carol Halladay and his uncle Gus. Jim is survived by his wife Janice of Valley, son and daughter-in-law Matt & Misty Wilson of Ashland, NE, grandchildren: Michele Hemphill, Samantha Rowen, Kallie Hemphill, Jaina Hemphill, Tera Graham, and Nicole Wilson, great grandchildren: Grayson and Karliah Graham, Alaina and Jaxson Rowen, and Nehemiah Fogle, brother Paul (Vickie) Sedivy of Elkhorn. Visitation with the family Tuesday from 5-7 PM at Reichmuth Funeral Home, Elkhorn. Graveside services will be held at Graceland Cemetery in Avoca, IA at 11 AM Wednesday. Memorials to Catz Angels CARE in Fremont, NE.

James Rollin Sedivy

July 31, 1951 - March 19, 2024