Jim Hornbacher

J ames H ornbacher, age 90, of North Platte, passed away at the North Platte Care Center on October 16, 2021.

Jim was born to Daniel and Josie Hornbacher on August 14, 1931, at Hitchcock, Nebraska. He grew up in Nevada, Iowa, and graduated from Oak Park Academy in 1950.

Jim enlisted in the U.S. Marines and served during the Korean War. Following his discharge he eventually settled in North Platte where he worked for James E. Simon until retiring in 1995, and was a member of the V.F.W., American Legion and Elks Club.

On December 27, 1975, Jim married Wanda Bitterman in Cheyenne, WY.

Jim never lost his Iowa roots and thought of himself as an old 'Iowa farm boy'. He enjoyed gardening and liked John Deer Tractors so much that his daughter-in-law, Sherry, would call him 'John Deer James'.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Daniel and Josie; brothers, Daniel and Bill Hornbacher; daughter-in-law, Sherry Hornbacher; and grandson, Jesse Hornbacher.

Jim is survived by his wife, Wanda, of North Platte; children, Vanessa (Pat) Kennedy, of Wellsburg, IA, Craig Hornbacher, of Berwick, IA, Michael (Sherry) Hornbacher, of Cheyenne, WY, and James (Julie) Baker, of Stockville; his brother, Vernon Hornbacher; and sisters, Millie Bates, Erma (Lee) Larson, Joyce Hadley and Jeannie (Gary) Sugg.

Survivors also include his grandchildren, James 'J.D.' Kennedy (Brani), John 'J.R.' (Michelle) Kennedy, Lisa (Ben) Cory, Ashley (Alex) Levy, Daniel Hornbacher, Jeni Hornbacher, Tyson Baker, Alicia Baker and Jasmine Bieghler; great-grandchildren, Reece, Ryan, Raven, Jackson, Annabelle, Ava, Kasson, Haley and Ryan; as well as other family.

Funeral service will be 10 a.m. on Thursday, October 21, 2021, at Odean Colonial Chapel. Burial with military honors will follow at Fort McPherson National Cemetery. Visitation is Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore, which is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com.