James "Jim"

F. Shoemaker

James "Jim" Frances Shoemaker, 83, of O'Neill, died Monday, Oct. 20, 2025 in Omaha.

Visitation was held Friday, Oct. 24, 2025 at Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill with a Knights of Columbus rosary.

Funeral services were held Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Atkinson.

Burial was in the O'Neill Cemetery in O'Neill with military rites provided by the O'Neill American Legion Simonson Post 93.

Memorials may be made to the Nebraska Chapter of Alzheimer's Association or St. Patrick's Catholic Church in O'Neill in Jim's name.

James was born on Oct. 13, 1942, in O'Neill, to Leonard and Cleta (McNichols) Shoemaker of O'Neill. Jim grew up with his parents, sisters Joann and Mary Ellen and brothers Gene and Jerry on a farm north of O'Neill. Jim graduated from St. Mary's Catholic High School in 1960 where he enjoyed playing football and running track.  

He then joined the U.S. Air Force and served four years in Spain. When he returned from the Air Force, Jim worked at Kelly Plumbing and then later at the Rural Electric Association (REA), until he retired after 35 years, at 58 years old. At the same time, he farmed and ranched outside of O'Neill.

On Jan. 29, 1966, Jim was united in marriage to Dianne Moeller at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in O'Neill. To this union, seven children were born. They lived in O'Neill where they raised their family.

Jim was a lifelong member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus and served on the St, Patrick's Parish Council, St. Mary's School Board and helped coach many St. Mary's track teams. He was an active and avid supporter of his children in sports and school activities throughout their grade school and high school years.  

Jim loved being a rancher, and some of his most memorable post-retirement times were cattle drives with his South neighbors, riding his horse.

Jim is survived by his wife Dianne and four children and their families: three daughters Jo Ellen (John) Akerboom of Omaha, Maureen Shoemaker of Columbus and Mary Long of Omaha; one son Chris (Sarah) Shoemaker of Thornton, CO; one son-in law Lynn Pierce of Lincoln; 10 grandchildren Rachel, Brady, Olivia, Samantha, Haley, Seth, Jamie, Hannah, Nick and Jack; one great-grandchild Emilia; two siblings Mary Ellen Humpal of La Crosse, WI and Jerry Shoemaker of O'Neill; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Leonard and Cleta Shoemaker, two sons George and Jimmy Shoemaker, his daughter Margaret "Maggie" Pierce, his brother Gene Shoemaker and his sister Joann Schaaf.