James Sizer

December 31, 1946 - January 17, 2016

JAMES E. SIZER, 69, of Ogallala, NE, passed away Sunday, January 17, 2016 at his home south of Lake McConaughy. Jim was born December 31, 1946 at Ogallala, Nebraska to Robert and Eva (Crouse) Sizer. He graduated from Arthur High School with the class of 1965, and attended college in Chadron before being drafted into the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. Following Jim's discharge, he returned to the Ogallala area where he worked for his brother Harold at the Kingsley Lodge. On February 14, 1973, Jim married Kathryn S. Annable at the First Congregational Church in Ogallala. Their union was blessed with 2 girls, Laurie and JoLyn. Early in his life, Jim built a building near Kingsley Lodge where he sold and fixed boats. Jim was a jack of all trades, and over the next several years, had worked in electrical, farming, at a feed store, and fuel hauling. In the mid 90's Jim took a job as a rural mail carrier in Brule, a job that he greatly enjoyed for nearly 20 years, retiring in 2010. Jim was an active member of the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Ogallala. He was a past member of the Keystone and Lemoyne Volunteer Fire Department, as well as the VFW in Ogallala and American Legion Post in Arthur. Jim's creativity was a gift that manifested itself in many areas of his life. He was a talented musician, and shared his gift by belonging to a quartet for many years. He was a dreamer, and loved to re-purpose things that others might throw away. There was rarely a time when Jim wasn't working on some kind of project. His faith and family were cornerstones in his life. Jim and his family were blessed to spend a wonderful vacation together over the holidays this year, full of memories that they will always treasure. Jim was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Wilbert. Survivors include his wife of 42 years, Kathy Sizer of Ogallala; his 2 daughters, Laurie (Scott) Gamerl of Olathe, KS, JoLyn (Tavis) Auwerda of Keystone; grandchildren, Owen & Grace Gamerl, Ethan, Audrey and Dylan James Auwerda; siblings, Susan (Doug) Wilson of Lemoyne, Harold (Dee) Sizer of Brandon, FL, David (Karen) Sizer of Arthur, Marjorie (Dale) Leistritz of North Platte, John (Linda) Sizer of Lemoyne; sister-in-law, Virginia Sizer of Arthur; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Memorials are suggested to the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Jim's memory. Condolences may be shared at prairiehillsfuneralhome.com, where the service will also be streamed live for those unable to attend. Services will be held on Thursday, January 21st 2016 at 11:00 AM at the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Ogallala with Pastor Lisa Hadler officiating. Visitation will be on Wednesday, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Prairie Hills Funeral Home in Ogallala. Cremation will take place following the services, with no interment of cremains planned at this time. He will rest in the loving arms of his family. Prairie Hills Funeral Home of Ogallala is in charge of arrangements.