James Lynn Ross

1955 - 2020

James Lynn Ross

November 23, 1955 - November 4, 2020

James Lynn Ross, 64, of Doniphan, Nebraska passed away at his home on November 4th. James was born on November 23, 1955 to Robert Ross and Harriette (Sykes) Ross at Gothenburg Memorial Hospital in Gothenburg, Nebraska. He was raised on a farm 3 miles North of Gothenburg with his three older siblings.

As a boy he helped to raise corn, alfalfa, and cattle on the family farm and explored the local area with his brother Bill, building tree houses in cottonwood trees, fishing, and hunting.James attended the Rural District 100R school to the east of his home. He graduated 8th grade in 1970, as all Dawson county 8th graders at a ceremony in Lexington, Nebraska and then continued his education at Gothenburg High-school.

As a young man he helped his father erect Behlen corrugated steel buildings and bins in the South-Central Nebraska area. He also operated a swather in the hay fields between Lexington and North Platte, Nebraska. While studying at Gothenburg High-school, James participated in football, wrestling, and track. In wrestling he was a two-time state qualifier, and was SW Conference District B-2 Champion as a senior. He graduated in 1974 and attended college at UNK on a football scholarship. While studying at UNK (then called Kearney State College). He played football until two simultaneous knee injuries stopped his football career as a player. He continued in the football program at UNK as an assistant coach for the remainder of his time there. He graduated in 1979 with a Bachelors Degree of Arts in Education.

James had multiple jobs throughout his life all of which were involved in agriculture which was always one of his passions. Perhaps the work he enjoyed most was at The United States Meat Animal Research Center near Clay Center, Nebraska as an Agronomy Technician in the 1980s. He always took pride in his work no matter what it entailed and his work ethic was admirable.

James (Jim or J.R. to his friends) spent most of his free time in their company or outside enjoying nature. Jim was known for his ability to strike up a conversation with most anyone he met and can be counted as a dear friend to many.

James was preceded in death by both his parents. He is survived by his son and son's spouse Emerson and Shanna Ross of Lincoln; his three siblings and their spouses, Karen and Dan Hudson of Gothenburg, Virginia and Gerald John of Ord, and Bill and Cheryl Ross of Lincoln; and an extended family of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.James was a kindhearted man and will be missed deeply by all his family, and friends.The world is poorer with his passing.

All Faiths Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements. Due to the pandemic and current restrictions a service will be postponed until next year. James loved his family and friends deeply and wouldn't want anyone to become sick on his account. A memorial Facebook page and email have been opened in his name to help facilitate future service plans. Please send condolences to jameslynnross@hotmail.com or to his son Emerson G. Ross at 4134 Y St. Lincoln, NE 68503