Jim Lockwood

James Robert 'Jim' Lockwood, age 98, of North Platte, NE, passed away at home on Monday, October 15, 2018.

Jim was born August 29, 1920, at Shell Rock, Iowa, to Carle and Christena Lockwood. He grew up in Iowa where he attended Butler County Rural Schools, graduated from Shell Rock High School in 1937 then attended Wartburg College until 1939.

In 1942 Jim enlisted in the U.S. Army and proudly served our country during World War II as a Railway Signal Operator. Following his discharge in 1945, he moved to Omaha where he spent a year studying at Creighton University and met Marion Avis Johnson. They were united in marriage on March 2, 1950, at the First Baptist Church in Omaha.

Jim was employed by Employers Mutual Casualty where he worked as a field supervisor and because of his job, the couple lived in different Nebraska communities until moving to North Platte in 1956. After retiring Jim continued to work part-time for the company as an auditor until Marion became ill.

Jim had a strong faith and was active in the First Baptist Church where he served on various committees and taught Sunday School for a number of years. He also enjoyed leading Bible studies at Linden Court until last year.

Over the years Jim served as Moderator of the North Platte Association of American Baptist Churches, President of American Baptist Men of Nebraska, and President of North Platte Interchurch Reserve. He was a member for over 50 years of Platte Valley Lodge #32 AF&AM, Signet Chapter #55 Order of Eastern Star, United Commercial Travelers, P.R. Halligan Post #163 American Legion and lifetime member of the V.F.W. When his boys were young Jim also served as Cub Master.

He is survived by his children, Randall (Lori) Lockwood, of Emmett, ID, Deborah Haverland, of Lafayette, CO, Jacquelyn (LeRoy) Jacobson, of San Antonio, TX, and Yvonne (Jaimie) Houchin, of Rapid City, SD; daughter-in-law, Sharon Lockwood, of Lincoln, NE; 14 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; and other family.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Marion, their son, Douglas, and two infants; his parents, Carle and Christena; and infant sister, Helen.

Funeral service with Masonic Rites will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, October 24, 2018, at the First Baptist Church with Pastor Clint Walker officiating. Burial with military honors will be at 1 p.m. at Fort McPherson National Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. with family greeting friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore, which is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com. Memorials are suggested to the First Baptist Church.