James M. “Doc” Zauha, 85, of Greeley passed away on Saturday, November 25, 2023; at Brookefield Park in St. Paul, Nebraska with his loving family by his side.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 29, 2023; at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Greeley, Nebraska. Father Lawrence Vadakkan will be the Mass Celebrant. Burial will be in the Sacred Heart Cemetery at Greeley. Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Church. The Rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m. Memorials are suggested to the Family’s Choice. T.J. Finn and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements (www.ordmemorialchapel.com).
James Michael was born November 19, 1938, at Greeley, Nebraska to Joseph Michael and Avis Olive (Thompson) Zauha. He was born and raised on the family farm two miles south of Greeley, known as Sandy Beach Farm. Jim spent a year living in Elba which was when he received his nickname, “Doc” by the bus driver. Jim received his education at Sacred Heart Catholic School in Greeley and was a proud member of the graduating class of 1956.
Following high school he lived in Omaha for a short time; and with $10 in his pocket, he jumped onto a train to go to work for the railroad in Idaho. Jim enjoyed his time in Idaho and would often tell stories of his experiences there.
Jim returned home, to Greeley to help his parents on the family farm. On January 7, 1961, he married the love of his life, Margaret “Peggy” McManus at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Greeley. To this union six children were born. Jim farmed the home place and also milked cows, until he ran out of help when his girls grew up. He was very proud to live in the house where he was born and to fulfill the promise to his parents to keep the farm. Jim also worked at 7-11 feed mill and was always there to help his neighbors and friends during harvest and cutting silage.
Jim was a member of the Sacred Heart Parish in Greeley. He instilled the principles of faith in his daughters and in his final days he would remove his hat and make the sign of the cross each time he passed the church.
Jim was a friend to all. He valued his faith, family and friends. He stood up for what was right and was always willing to lend a hand. Jim cherished his wife, daughters and had a special bond with his sons-in-law. He was a pivotal figure for his grandkids that he shared endless love for; as well as a good joke or friendly banter. His family was his number one priority. He will be remembered by his reassuring words…everything will be “plum good”.
Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Peggy of Greeley; five daughters and sons-in-law, Theresa and PJ Wood of St. Paul, Tammy and Bob Wood, Laurie and Raymond Nordhues, Mary Jo and Terry Wood all of Greeley, and Denise and Bo Kingery of Hampton; countless beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and one on the way; a brother and sister-in-law Raymond “Buster” and Rae Jean Zauha of Omaha; sister and brother-in-law, Margaret “Margie” and Bob Tinnes of Omaha; a sister-in-law, Jean (Hughes) Zauha; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant son, Jimmy Joe; brother, Joe Zauha; parents-in-law, Edward and Margaret McManus; and a nephew, Dennis Zauha.
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