While in the Navy, James had many different duty stations including Korea and Vietnam. He went around the world 4 ½ times. Following his military career, he came to Fremont and worked for the Dept. of Utilities. He graduated from the Police Academy in Grand Island. He worked for the Police Dept. in North Bend, the state of Nebraska in carrier enforcement, the Cedar Bluffs Police Dept., and the Douglas County Sheriff's Dept.. In 1980, he went to work, through civil service, on the Offutt Air Force Base at Bellevue, retiring in 1993. He also worked security at Hormel's in Fremont.
James was married on December 26, 1951 at Fremont in the First Christian Church to Anna Haines.
He was a member of the Fremont Berean Bible Church. He was active in the IOOF (Independent Order of Odd Fellows) where he was a Past Grand Master and Past Grand Patriarch, a Past Dept. Commander and Past General Commander of the General Military Council. He was a member of the American Legion Post of Cedar Bluffs, the VFW Post in Bellevue, DAV Chapter 18 of Fremont, the Fleet Reserve Association, and the Fremont Masonic Lodge No. 15 A.F. & A.M.
Survivors: wife - Anna
2 sons - Leonard and wife Peggy Cassell of Hooper
James and wife Nancy Wallendar of Germany
6 grandchildren
1 step-great grandson
2 brothers - Lyle and wife Evon Cassell of Lincoln
Ernest and wife Vada Cassell of Escondido, Calif.
2 sisters - Wilma and husband Lloyd Donahoo of Millard (Omaha)
Donna and husband Ronald Miller of Hawaii
James was preceded in death by a brother Lowell, 3 infant siblings, and a step-great grandson.
The funeral will be Saturday March 21, 2009 at the Fremont Berean Bible Church. The Rev. Steve Watson will officiate. Burial will follow in Ridge Cemetery with full military honors. Memorials are suggested to the church. Visitation will be on Friday from 3pm to 8pm with the family receiving friends from 6pm to 8pm at the Ludvigsen Mortuary Chapel.
Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
Condolences(11)
Chris and Anne Long
Fremont, Ne Saturday, March 21, 2009 Gonna miss you Jim. Will think of you everytime I go to dialysis. You were a great friend. Got my transplant papers in and things are rolling there, just wanted to tell you since I didnt get the chance to before. God BlessGeneral Donald and Lady Barbara McLaren
Rutland, MA Wednesday, March 18, 2009 Dear Lady Annie and Family, Our most sincere condolences on the passing of General Jim. He served the General MIlitary Council honorably in his two terms as General Commanding. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in the days and weeks ahead. Fraternally, General Donald and Lady Barbara McLaren General Commanding Retired and Immediate Past President IALAPMTerry L. Barrett
Winston-Salem, NC Wednesday, March 18, 2009 Dear Annie Laurie and family, From the officers and members of The Sovereign Grand Lodge - you are in our prayers and thoughts. It was a great pleasure to work with Gen. Jim as he served two terms as General Commanding. Fraternally, Maj. Gen. Terry L. Barrett Sovereign Grand Secretay Executive Adjutant GeneralGen. Donald Brooking
Dartmouth, Wednesday, March 18, 2009 My sincere sympathy to you and family at this time of sadness. I also send copndolences on behalf of the Deptof the Atlantic Provinces Canada. General Donald BrookingLady Mary Jean Traver, PPIALAPM
Lansing, Mi Wednesday, March 18, 2009 My sincere condolences to you and your family. General Jim will truly be missed by those of the Fraternal Family that had the pleasure of working with him. Fraternally Lady Mary Jean Traver, PPIALAPMKarl and Annette Rasmussen
Fremont, NE Wednesday, March 18, 2009 We enjoyed seeing him at Lodge meetings and functions. We enjoyed his humor and information as he participated in our Lodge. We will also miss him and our deepest sympathy to the family. Fraternally, Karl Rasmussen Past Master Fremont Lodge #15 AF & AM Annette RasmussenKarl and Annette Rasmussen
Fremont, NE Wednesday, March 18, 2009 I enjoyed seeing him at Lodge meetings and functions. We enjoyed his humor and information as he participated in our Lodge. We will also miss him and our deepest sympathy to the family. Fraternally, Karl Rasmussen Past Master Fremont Lodge #15 AF & AM Annette RasmussenGinger Robinson
Joaquin,, Tx Wednesday, March 18, 2009 May the God of tender mercies comfort the family (2 Co.1:3,4), When the last enemy strikes grief may be great and make the heart yearn for comfort, Almighty God gives HOPE and PROMISE at (JOHN 5:28, ACTS 24:15, ISAIAH 26:19 and REVELATION 21:4) His Hope and Promise soon to be attain, May these thoughts be of some comfort. gingerrobinson@bellsouth.netLois Van Ness
Nora Springs, Ia Thursday, March 19, 2009 We were sorry to hear of your loss. Jim's visits with his aunts in Corning were a joy to them. Aunt June is the only one left and she will miss him. May God strengthen and comfort in the days ahead.Lady Betty Jean & General Jack Reasoner
Apple Valley, CA Saturday, March 21, 2009 We will remember General Jim when we met together in our Fraternal Order and the many wonderful times we had when visiting in different Jurisdictions. Many Good Memories. We send our Love to Annie Laurie and Family. Fraternally with much Love, Lady Betty Jean & General Jack from California..Bob and Helen Manka
Fremont, Ne Friday, March 20, 2009 We enjoyed visiting with Jim while camping with the Elkhorn Valley Sams Club. We are sure that he will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Bob and Helen Manka