James “Jim” D. Engel, 59 years of age, of Beatrice passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, May 1, 2018 at Bryan Medical Center West in Lincoln. He was born on October 28, 1958 in Beatrice to Eugene and Marjorie (Carpenter) Engel. Jim graduated from Beatrice High School in 1977.
He earned his Associate of Applied Science Degree from Southeast Community College in Milford and went on to work for Cessna in Wichita, Kansas. Jim’s folks made him an offer he couldn’t refuse and he gladly returned to farm life in Beatrice in 1984. Jim married Robyn Bray on March 14, 1992 and they started their married life farming outside of Beatrice.
Both Jim and Robyn became very active in the rural Beatrice Community by serving in many volunteer roles. He was always willing to lend a hand to neighbors, friends, family and strangers. Jim was always up early plowing driveways full of snow and friends would wake up to a clean driveway.
He had a passion for his community, starting with the Beatrice Rural Fire Department in 1984 and becoming Chief in 2004. Jim always wanted to ensure the safety of his crew and worked hard to get the best possible training and equipment for these volunteers who became close friends. He loved raising cattle and always had a herd he could check every day.
Jim was a member of the Sunrise Sertoma Club and served on the Midland Township Board. He was a past member of the 3Gs 4-H Club and met some of his best friends in 4-H. Jim and Robyn loved Nebraska Volleyball and Basketball and could always be cheering on the Huskers.
Jim will be greatly missed but not forgotten. Jim is survived by his wife, Robyn; parents, Gene and Marjorie Engel of Beatrice; 2 sisters, Sue White and husband Eric Slezak of Hickman, Carol Bullard and husband Don of Talledega, Alabama; 6 sisters-in-law, Connie Holland of Simi Valley, California, Bobbie Tanner and husband Bruce of La Mirada, California, Diane Black and husband Bob of Ceresco, Lynn Berrier and husband Bob of Sun City West, Arizona, Terrie Leacock and husband Darrell of Lincoln, Kim Stice and significant other Rick Carson of Murdock; brother-in-law, Bill Bray of Surprise, Arizona; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents-in-law, William “Everett” and Berneta Bray; and brother-in-law, Ed Holland.
Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 AM Saturday, May 5, 2018 at Centenary United Methodist Church in Beatrice with Pastor Mark Schutt officiating. Interment will follow in the Pleasantview Cemetery near Pickrell. Visitation will be held from 9 AM to 8 PM with family greeting friends from 5 to 7 PM, Friday, May 4, 2018 at Harman-Wright Mortuary in Beatrice.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society and the Alzheimer’s Association in care of the mortuary. Harman-Wright Mortuary in Beatrice in charge of arrangements.
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