James "Jim" Cooley

A memorial service for James “Jim” R. Cooley will be held on Thursday, January 2, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Bertrand, Nebraska, with Pastor John Strackbein officiating. Inurnment will follow at the Immanuel Cemetery north of Bertrand, Nebraska.
James “Jim” Ronald Cooley, 81, passed away peacefully on December 23, 2024, in Kearney, Nebraska. Born on December 16, 1943, in Limon, Colorado, Jim was the second child of Ronald and Irene Cooley.
Jim graduated from Limon High School in 1962 and went on to earn his degree from Colorado State University in Pueblo. A serendipitous decision led him to cancel a job interview in Arizona, and during a visit to Limon, he met the love of his life, Maria Morrison. On the second day of their introduction, Jim proposed, saying, “I’ve never met anyone I liked more than you! Will you marry me?” After a brief pause, Maria said yes. The two were united in marriage on September 14, 1974, in Bertrand, Nebraska. Their union was blessed with two sons, Christopher and Robert.
Jim and Maria began their married life in Arizona before living in McCook, Limon, and Ft. Morgan, Colorado. In 1984, they settled in Oxford, Nebraska, where they owned and operated the Oxford Standard newspaper for 29 years before retiring in 2012.
Jim is survived by his sons: Christopher Cooley and wife Jessica of Lincoln, Nebraska, and their children, Brooklynn, Addyson, Tatym, and Greyson; and Robert Cooley and wife Elizabeth of Kearney, Nebraska, and their children, BreAnna, Aiden, Madelyn, and Carter. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law Elizabeth Hinze (Bill) of Valencia, California, and Glee Nelson of McPherson, Kansas, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Maria; his parents, Ronald and Irene Cooley; his sister, Luanne Winkelman; his brother-in-law, Dale Nelson; and his in-laws, Neil and Lenore Morrison.
Jim will be remembered for his unwavering love and dedication to his family, his remarkable work ethic, and his kind heart. His legacy lives on through the lives he touched and the cherished memories he leaves behind. May his memory bring comfort to all who knew and loved him.
No visitation or memorial book signing will be held. The family is honoring Jim’s wish for cremation.
Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com
A memorial has been established in Jim’s honor and kindly suggested to the family for future designation.
The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of the arrangements.