James (Jim) Brockhaus was born on April 4, 1933, to Ben and Leora Brockhaus. He passed away peacefully on February 22, 2025, at the age of 91, surrounded by his family.

                Jim grew up in Oklahoma City with his parents and younger sister, Cheryl. He was very active in sports, especially basketball and baseball, both of which he loved!

                After graduating from Central High School in Oklahoma City in 1952, Jim received basketball and baseball scholarships to Hastings College in Nebraska. During his time at Hastings, he began dating Kay Wenzlaff. After graduating, he volunteered for the draft and served in the U.S. Army for two years. Most of his first year was spent at Fort Hood, Texas, before being stationed in Hanau, Germany, where he played basketball and baseball for the Army. Kay joined him in Germany where they were happily married in 1957.

                Upon returning to Nebraska in 1958, Jim became a teacher and coach, working in Guide Rock, NE, for three years, then in Chappell, NE, for five years, before finally settling in Nebraska City, where he spent the last 29 years of his career.

                Jim loved his years in Nebraska City, teaching physical education, coaching golf, and serving as the Athletic Director. He also taught Driver’s Education for many years. In 1995, Jim retired from teaching.

                Jim cherished his family: Julie, Doug, Aimee, Michael, Ronin, Andrew, Nicole, Ember, Ron, Shelly, Trevor, Connor, Destiny, and Chloe. He also treasured his many friends and his church family at Calvary Community Church.

                Most importantly, Jim’s commitment to the Lord left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him. He started the first Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) Huddle in Nebraska in 1967 in Nebraska City. He was devoted to sharing his faith and the gospel with those he met, often striking up conversations in places like the mall and Walmart.

                Jim’s greatest prayer was for people to believe in Jesus and develop a personal relationship with HIM!

                Those left to cherish his memory include his children:  Julie Valentine (Doug) of Papillion, NE and Ron Brockhaus of Bellevue, NE; five grandchildren:  Aimee Smith (Michael) of Bellevue, NE, Andrew Valentine (Nicole) of Papillion, NE, Trevor Brockhaus of Bellevue, NE, Connor Brockhaus (Destiny) of Mt. Vernon, SD and Chloe Brockhaus of Peru, NE; two great-grandchildren:  Ronin Smith and Ember Valentine; sister Cheryl Lenhart of Tulsa, OK; brother-in-law Bud Zinnecker of Lincoln, NE and sister-in-law Sondra Wenzlaff of Wichita, KS; other family and friends.

                Jim was preceded in death by his wife Kay Brockhaus in 2009; daughter-in-law Shelly Brockhaus in 2024 and brother-in-law Jack Lenhart.

                A Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, February 28, 2025 at Calvary Community Church in Nebr. City with Pastor Don Moore officiating.  Burial will follow at Wyuka Cemetery in Nebr. City with Military Honors conducted by the Nebraska National Guard Funeral Honors Detail and the Talmage American Legion Post.

                The family will greet friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday (2/27) at Gude Mortuary in Nebr. City. 

                Memorials may be given to Calvary Community Church or the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (5801 S. 58th St., #C, Lincoln, NE 68516).

                Gude Mortuary in Nebr. City is in charge of arrangements.  Remembrances may be left at www.gudefuneralhomes.com.