James R Bryan

James Richard Bryan, loving husband, and father of two, grandfather of four, went to be with his Lord and Savior on March 15, 2023, at the age of 77. Jim was born on May 24, 1945, to Mabel (Zoerb) and Richard Bryan in San Luis Obispo, California. He grew up in the Callaway/Oconto, Nebraska area, raised by his mother and stepfather, Barney Ward.

Jim graduated from Callaway High School and then went on to get his Bachelors of Animal Science at the University of Nebraska. While at university, he met the love of his life, Dixie Miller. He always said that it would be a cold day in hell before he married and on December 28, 1968- it was, with three feet of snow on the ground and more coming down. They started their life together in Lincoln but soon moved to Cambridge, Nebraska as he got the position of Ag Representative Loan Officer at the First National Bank. After banking, he began farming and ranching with Dixie’s father in Wilsonville, Nebraska. He did this for many years enjoying what he had grown up with. He moved his family to Lexington, Nebraska in the late 80’s, where he once again worked as a loan officer at American charter then at IBP/Tyson working in quality control before finally retiring.

Jim always loved horses and had many throughout his life, at one time having 35. He and Dixie enjoyed raising paint and quarter horses, selling them all over the country and even to Mexico. He definitely loved horse trading and made many friends doing so. He was involved in several horse related activities/ hobbies throughout his life as well. He was a 4-H leader, member of the Wilsonville Saddle club, and the Plum Creekers Riding Club. He participated in the 1993 re-ride of the Pony Express and enjoyed many trail rides, horse shows and horse sales, several times to the Denver Stock show. Jim was a cowboy. Rarely was he seen without his boots, hat, and belt complete with a nice buckle. He had quite the collection of all these items and enjoyed sharing his hobby of collecting with his children and grandchildren.

Jim’s kindness and sense of humor were evident in his life and for which he will best be remembered- he never knew a stranger. He and Dixie opened their home and hearts to many a person who needed a little help on their life journey. The positive influence he had on all who knew him and the love and laughter he created with the jokes he told will be his legacy.

Jim is preceded in death by his mother, Mabel, stepfather, Barney, biological father, Richard, parents-in-law, RV and Ellen, sister-in-law, Nancy and brothers-in-law, Darrel, Craig and Joel.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Dixie of Oconto; daughter, Heather (James) Drummond of Dexter, MI; son, Clifford (Cristy) Bryan of Oconto; his beloved grandchildren, Hannah, Noah, Corin, and Caleb; his sisters-in-law, Marlene and Joanne, as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews and a host of friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 24, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at the Callaway Community Church in Callaway, Nebraska.

Inurnment will be held on Saturday, June 24, 2023, at the Oconto Cemetery in Oconto, Nebraska.

Timm-Reynolds-Love in Callaway is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com