Rodney “Rod” James, 81 of Kimball, passed away at his home, on March 2, 2025. Cremation has been held. Memorial services will be held on Monday, March 10, 2025 at the Cornerstone Community Church in Kimball at 10:00 am with pastor Randy Bohac officiating. Inurnment will be held at the Dix Cemetery. Friends can visit www.cantrellfh.com to view his Tribute Wall to share stories and condolences with the family. Contributions may be given in his memory to Cornerstone Community Church, Dix Cemetery Board or Kimball Senior Friendship Center. The family has entrusted Cantrell Funeral Home with Rod’s services.
Rodney C. James was born on August 28, 1943, in Kimball. Son of Ben and Helen (Campbell) James. Raised on a farm north of Dix. He later returned to that same home to raise a family of his own. Rod graduated from Dix Public High School in 1961. He cherished his childhood on the farm and enjoyed sharing many fond memories. Especially the fun he had spending time with his cousins at the regular family gatherings. He often reflected on the great parenting and family life he had while growing up.
Rodney married Judith Hutton in Dix on June 14, 1964. Not long after union, he joined the Air Force and was stationed at Lowry AFB in Denver, CO. He received a hardship honorable discharge from the service because his dad Ben had become ill. They returned to their home state and together raised two children, Shelly and Timothy. He enjoyed sharing his love of country living, outdoors, horseback riding, and stargazing with his children. Rod even could make fence repair and cleaning the barn fun. Work hard, play hard was his motto. Time was made for short road trips, lake visits, trail rides or camping on afternoons when the work was done. “You can lay around at home” was his favorite line when we took a break from water skiing to enjoy the beach. Not long after, while working at Continental Emsco, an oil production supply store, he developed an interest in the industry. There he met a contract pumper that needed some help. After he learned the ropes, he was able to build his own route as an independent contract pumper and continued it for decades. During this time, he was also co owner of a new business called Courtesy Construction for a short while. His interest in the oilfield vocation lasted a lifetime.
Rod married Lois Zimmerman on December 5,1987, and they made a lifetime of memories until her death March 19, 2022. They enjoyed so many travels and adventures together. They also shared a love for horses, history and hospitality, but most of all for each other. His love for her was great and her children too. Later with the addition of grandchildren and great grandchildren his heart was so full. There never was a dull moment at Opa’s with endless things to do at the creek, whether target practice, catching frogs, learning to drive, or playing cards. Rod served the area communities his entire life. In his early years, as a volunteer fireman, church board member and later a 4-H leader of Dix Spurs and Saddle Club. He also served on Dix School Board and Kimball County Manor Board. In his last days, he rarely missed a Kimball County Commissioner meeting and was well informed on the community, county and world issues. He was a man of strong faith, who valued the American way and was humbled by those who fought for our freedom. His presence, wisdom, listening ear, and kindness will dearly be missed by those who knew and loved him.
Survivors include his daughter Shelly (Dave) Norberg of Bushnell, NE., and Lisa (Steve) Richter of Pine Haven, WY; son Robert (Judi) Ring of Paris, KY, grandchildren Siera (Zeke) Juhala, Colton (Emily) Richter, Savannah (Zane) Allee, Jack Ring and Regan Ring; great grandchildren Rain and Knoxly Juhala. Rod was preceded in death by his parents, wife Lois, son Timothy, great grandson Kash Juhala and brother Ronald James and nephew Douglas James.
