James "Jim" L. Menard

Jim was born December 4, 1938 in Hastings, NE to John P. and Pauline (Rutt) Menard. Ancestry of his father is French Canadian and mother German from Russia. Both of his parents were first generation American. The Menard family moved to Lincoln, NE within a year of Jim’s birth. He attended school in Lincoln graduating from Lincoln High in 1958.

Jim served in the Navy from 1956 to 1962 in the construction battalion. His service as a Seabee led Jim into his life’s vocation working in civil engineering. He was with Olson Associates for 35 years as part of a small core group of employees at the start of the company. As a Senior technician and Design Associate he worked on many civil projects in water main, sanitary sewer, street improvement and highway design all over the state of Nebraska. During retirement Jim volunteered for the State Patrol Motor Assists program.

Jim married Velda R. (Bronson) Kness on August 12, 1983. Leisure time was filled with spending time with family, golf and travel. They visited the family ancestral homelands in Europe, traveled all 50 states and all Canadian provinces from Quebec West.

Jim is survived by his wife, Velda; children, Tammy R. (Edwin) Loftis of Craig, NE, Lanny D. (Kim Westerhoff) Kness of Berthoud, CO, Jennice A. (George) Strimenos and Jeffrey L. (Chris McCollom) Menard both of Colorado; grandchildren, Anne M. (Joseph) Frana, Amber R. Tupper, Darrin G. (Elizabeth) Loftis, Austin T. Strimenos and Georgia J. Strimenos; great grandchildren, Eden J. Frana, Owen A. Tupper and Eli E. Frana and brother, John (Martha) Menard of Hickman, NE.

The family honored Jim’s wishes with a private graveside service with full military honors officiated by Lieutenant Joseph Frana, Chaplain, U.S. Navy. Condolences:lincolnfh.com