Jim Mcmurtry

J ames "Jim" McMurtry of North Platte went to be with the Lord on July 12, 2023, at age 66.

Jim was born to Francis "Mac" and Rozella McMurtry on January 10, 1957, in North Platte.  He graduated from North Platte St. Patrick's High School in 1975, where he played football, basketball, and ran track.

Jim was married to his high school sweetheart, Sally Kellogg, for 46 years and worked at UPS for 32 years.

Jim was a man of faith and conviction in all regards.  He was passionate about God, sports, history, and politics. He was a notorious servant to others. Undoubtedly, if you knew him well or lived close by, he cleaned your garage, scooped your sidewalk, or mowed your yard; all while trying to sneak away with no recognition of the deed.  Jim dedicated his life to his wife and kids with his time, money, and energy to provide them the opportunities to pursue their dreams; all at the sacrifice of his own.

There's a good chance that many of you reading this have thrown a baseball or a football with Jim at some point while at a ball game or just out in the yard.

Jim found his ultimate love later in life as he was introduced to his 11 grandchildren. They were the apple of his eye. He embraced the role of Papa with fervor and in turn, they loved him deeply. There was literally nothing in this world that he would rather do than be a witness to their milestones. Jim was adamant that they have access to all the balls and water guns that they could possibly handle. Wiffle balls to his forehead while pitching to them weren't bruises, they were badges of honor.  While he has moved on from this world, Jim's legacy will continue on through them.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Rozella McMurtry; in-laws, Verna and Don Kellogg; sister-in-law, Julie Buehler; and brother-in-law, Duane Beck.

Jim is survived by his wife, Sally; his daughter, Jamie (Lance) Polk and their children Kenzie, Jack and Landon; son, Danny (Cassie) McMurtry and their children, Rocco, Knox, and Stella Bea; daughter, Becky (Ellen) Middleton and their children Kipling and Ella; son, Matt (Amy) McMurtry and their children Austin, Logan, and Ty; siblings Tom (Carroll) McMurtry, Bobby (Alice) McMurtry, Bernie (Christi) McMurtry, and Alice (Keven) Keck; numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, aunts, uncles and brothers and sisters-in-law; as well as his many friends that he cherished.

Services will be held at 10 a.m., Monday, July 17, at Grace Community Bible Church.  Burial will be in the North Platte Cemetery then lunch will follow at the D&N Center.  And as Jim would want it,  sweat pants and athletic attire is highly encouraged.

Visitation is 1-6 p.m. Sunday and with family greeting from 4-6 p.m. at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore, which is in charge of arrangements.  Online condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are to the Jim McMurtry Memorial Fund at First National Bank.