Levern Frederick James

Levern James long-time resident dies

Levern James, 72, long-time area rancher and former Niobrara County Commissioner, died suddenly Saturday night at the Niobrara Memorial Hospital. Funeral service will be this Thursday at 2:00 p.m. in Peet Memorial Chapel.

Mr. James has served as a member of the Niobrara County Fair Board and on various committees for government programs. He was past post supervisor for the United States Air Force and the Defense Command Ground Observer Corps.

Levern Frederick James was born April 25, 1905, at Crawford, Neb., the son of Luther and Freida Heumier James. He grew to manhood and attended various schools in the Crawford area, and worked on several ranches in that area. March 19, 1930, he and his brother George rented the Thomas Fagan ranch in the Divide community which they farmed for several years. George then returned to the Crawford ranch. In 1938 Levern purchased the Fagan ranch from Mrs. Fagan.

He and Leola Horner of Beaver Crossing, Neb., were married in 1925. Mr. James was baptized and became a member of the Methodist Church in 1926. He was initiated into harmony Masonic Lodge in 1938. He was a member of Eastern Star and the Wyoming Stockgrowers Association. He was engaged in extensive farming and the raising of pure-bred Angus cattle for many years with emphasis on commercial cattle in later years. His home was always open, especially to all young people. He kept a continuous interest in all school activities.

Survivors are his widow Leola of Lusk; four children, Freida Mae Hammond of Sunnyvale, Calif., Richard Levern James and Lee Horner James of Lusk, and Mary Marlene Goss of Paramount , Calif.; 13 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren; two brothers Roy James of Burley, Idaho, and George James of Marathon, Fl.; two sisters Mrs. Irene Rogers and Mrs. Caroline Minick of Crawford. He also leaves many friends, all of whom are honorary bearers.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Officiating at the funeral service will be Mark Lohr, Mrs. Edna DeCastro, organist, will accompany Mrs. Marilyn Cockerham as she sings "We Are Going Down the Valley" and Tim Johnson as he sings "Just a Closer Walk With Thee" and "How Great Thou Art."

Casket bearers will be H. E. Hansen, Hugo Lenz, John Hammond, Ray Taylor, W. T. Bredthauer, Ted King, John Jassman and Ted Lohr.

Burial will be in the Lusk Cemetery with Masonic Graveside Service.

Memorials may be made to Niobrara County Memorial Hospital.

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