James W. Bigbee

1965 - 2024

James W. Bigbee, 58, of Akron, Iowa, formerly of Broken Bow, Neb., died suddenly of a heart attack at his home on Sept. 8, 2024. 

James was born Sept. 12, 1965, at Broken Bow to Jerry and Darlene (Cantrell) Bigbee. He grew up on a farm outside of Merna. Shortly afterwards they moved west of Broken Bow where he spent his youth. 

A one roomed school called Prairie Hill was where James attended kindergarten through eighth grades. He graduated in 1984 from Broken Bow High School where he was actively involved with FFA (Future Farmers of America) and 4-H. When he was a freshman in high school, James was forced to quit wrestling due to the discovery of a heart murmur.

James attended Southeast Community College in Milford where he graduated with two Associates of Applied Science Degrees - Diesel Mechanics (Over-the-Road-Trucks and Construction) Mechanics. 

After graduation he worked with his father on the Diamond B Ranch spending many hours raising cattle where many became more like pets. He had a love for all animals including German Shepherds, parakeets and chickens and he welcomed any stray cat that happened to stick around. 

On Jan. 19, 1991, James was joined in holy matrimony to Cindy S. Cole of Berwyn. To this union, they were blessed with girls, Brigitt D. Mayecin (1992) and Baylee J. Morgan. (1997). When the twins, Jerron Franklin and Jerney James, were born in 1999, this launched the birthday week celebration as Jerron's birthday is on Sept. 9, Jerney's birthday is Sept. 10 and James's birthday is Sept. 12. James loved his children and enjoyed tormenting them first thing in the morning by asking them which cereal they would like - Chocolate Covered Bugs, (Coco Puffs) Fishtank Rocks (Fruity Pebbles) or Bedsprings and Pillows (Lucky Charms)?

James's love language was acts of service. He helped others in the Broken Bow area cut sileage, harvest corn and work/move cattle and he was willing to pitch in and help when needed. Around 1998, James began working for Merna COOP and later acquired a HAZMAT license enabling him to manage the propane services. 

James was a good neighbor. He would often help Evelyn with her cats or Esther with her water, help Marguerite fix this or that, tinker on vehicles with Dean-O and spend time with many others around the community. He had a soft spot for the elderly. 

Around 2000, James had an opportunity to work as a private contractor mechanic for the military for the AMSA in Sioux City, Iowa. In 2001 the family joined him and began living in Sioux City. Then in 2004, James began working nights at Wells Blue Bunny Dairy in the freezer department. There he continued to work in various areas where he was often faced with fixing machinery and problem solving at work. Even though he would rub his head in frustration, he would persevere until it was fixed. Jimmy celebrated his 20th year at Blue Bunny last January. At all places of employment, he created lasting friendships with those that worked alongside him. 

In 2006 James moved to Akron, Iowa, where he enjoyed country living that emulated his life back home in Merna. There he found solace in the land where he could enjoy his hobbies of shooting, reloading, as well as fixing and building things. At this time, he became very close to Barb LeClair. He would continue to have a loving relationship with her off and on up until his passing. James helped with the upkeep of the place and made improvements to the property of Eric and Joann Hedeby. Jimmy hosted an annual 4th of July celebration where he would grill, light off fireworks (the louder, the better), show his patriotism and create memories with close ones. 

James was a man of many talents. He was a First Responder at Wells and kept current with his CDL license. He was gifted at mechanics, welding, woodworking and making smoke bombs. James had a collection of Betty Boop and kerosene lanterns. 

God was important to James. When he was younger, James was a member of the United Methodist Church in Broken Bow. He was also a member of the Masons, the oldest fraternity in history. Later he began reading and studying the Bible and strengthened his relationship with God. He was currently attending the Sunnybrook Community Church in Sioux City. 

James is proceeded in death by his grandson O' Silus Bigbee; mother Darlene Bigbee; father-in-law Ron Cole; maternal grandparents Harold and Freda Cantrell; and paternal grandparents, Ray and Zenith Bigbee. 

Survivors include Cindy (Cole) Bigbee of Sioux City, Iowa; daughter Brigitt Bigbee (Brad Hinds) of Omaha and grandchildren Lucian, Arloine and Dorian Hinds; daughter Baylee Bigbee (David Rios) and Piper and Petey of Sioux City, Iowa; son Jerron Bigbee (Samantha Hawkins) of Des Moines; Iowa; son Jerney Bigbee (wife Cami) and Lila of Yokota, Japan; father, Jerry W. Bigbee of Broken Bow; sister Sue (Kevin) Kohlscheen of Merna; sister Cindy Wilke (Larry) of Ravenna; brother Dan (Anne) Bigbee of Lincoln; mother-in-law Doris Cole of Broken Bow, companion Barb LeClair; dear friend Kirby Holloway of Columbus; and many other friends and co-workers. 

Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 12, at Rexwinkel Funeral Home in Le Mars, Iowa. Visitation with the family present will be from 11 a.m. to service time on Thursday at the funeral home.

Additional services and burial will be on Saturday, Sept. 14, at 3 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Broken Bow. Interment will follow at the Broken Bow Cemetery.

All memorials will be donated to the local Akron Fire/Police Department in James's name.

Arrangements in Le Mars are with Rexwinkel Funeral Home and arrangements in Broken Bow are with Govier Brothers Mortuary and Crematory.