James Earp Obituary
Visitation Thursday, 1/10/08. 3:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m., with family receiving friends 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the West Center Chapel. Services Friday, 1:00 p.m. at the West Center Chapel. Interment, Hillcrest, 5701 Center, with full military honors by Benson VFW Post 2503. Memorials to Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, Madonna School, or charity of your choice. HEAFEY-HEAFEY-HOFFMANN
DWORAK-CUTLER
WEST CENTER CHAPEL
78th & West Center 391-3900
This obituary was originally published in the Omaha World-Herald.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Susann Kidder
January 2, 2024
Sadly I write today as a widow of Gene Kidder who fondly remembered his fellow Omaha Associate Mr Jim Earp. Today I am in the process of writing about Genes life and want the family to know there will be references to both the Earp Dealership and Genes Barracuda purchased and promoted in the early years of NHRA. There will also be mentioned his collaboration with the Jacobson´s motors, God Bless their memories it seems impossible that we are losing so many strong capable and successful men.
Don Cameron
September 13, 2020
I'm sorry I didn't know him personally but but I knew of him. I witnessed Jim match race Dandy Dick Landy at the old Omaha dragway in his cudabear. Jim took the race 2 out 3. I believe that was 1968 or 69. I was not of driving age. That was my induction into drag racing and with Chrysler products. I was right there right behind them on the starting line. I bought one of my first Plymouths from his dealership in 1973. My condolences.
Eugene Kidder
January 2, 2020
I carried Jim Earps name on the Hemi powered 67 Barracuda. One of the first Hemi cudas in the USA at that time. Please go by Bill Smiths Museum in Lincoln,as we donated a photo memorial of the 1963 Plymouth also bearing Jims dealership logo located on the cars rear fender....him and his wife were at the old Omaha Dragway the night we beat the Les Ritchie Ford factory car,he was so proud came over to the car and congratulated us,fond memories of them!
BIll Greve
January 11, 2008
I'am sorry for your loss! I like many people worked for Mr. Earp for alot of years. He was a very driven individual with a very strong work ethic. He became very sucessful but always strived to do better to be the best. He achived that and many other personal goals he set for himself. Even today when I talking with former Jim Earp and Jim's Dodge employees,they all wish we all still worked for Jim (Ole Smiley!) but those days are gone now. Jim had days where you could love him or not all in the same day, but he always did what he felt was fair. There was only one way to do things and that was his way. He use to call it throwing the brick. He would say if I tell you to do it just do it Don't ask why! Jim always knew what he was doing not only was he sucessful but he made alot of other dealers who they are today. Jim we will all miss you!!! He was a unique man that will always be remembered and well respected for what he did for the community and the Jim Earp family whom I have always been very proud to be a member of! I quess somebody even bigger then Smiley told him it was time to throw the brick. Maybe Jim said it best "There is only one Jim Earp!" Nobody but nobody will ever be the same! Sincerely Bill Greve
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David Velasquez
January 11, 2008
Dear Shirley and family,
May beautiful memories give you strength at this difficult time.
I know my memories of Smiley will never be forgotten. He was a wonderful husband, father, friend and boss.
On behalf of the Velasquez Family our prayers and sympathy are with you at this difficult time.
God Bless,
Dave "Pasquale" Velasquez
CARL LUCAS
January 11, 2008
SHIRLEY AND FAMILY,
JIM WAS A GREAT MAN. I FIRST MET HIM 1989 HE TAUGHT ME ALOT ABOUT LIFE ALSO ABOUT CARS MOST OF ALL I LOVED HIS STORIES HE WILL BE MISSED BY ALL. GOD BLESS YOU, ILL KEEP YOU IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS .... LOVE, CARL LUCAS
Bill Kittoe
January 11, 2008
My condolences to the Earp family. He afforded me a great opportunity fifteen years ago. Although, it didn't work out as I would have liked, it was a tremendous help into the future. Thank you Mr. Earp.
God bless you and your family.
James and Bernice Porter
January 11, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Wishing you GOD's comfort at this difficult time.
Love, James and Bernice Porter
Debbie Maschino
January 11, 2008
Shirley,
I was saddened to read about Jim. He was so fortunate to have had you and his daughter by his side during his stay at the Blumkin Home. May you take comfort in the memories you made together.
Glenn Smith
January 10, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief.
It’s the end of an Era in Omaha’s Automotive History!!
I Feel Jim left a little bit of him in everyone he touched
I truly enjoyed the many years I worked for him.
Bud Houske
January 10, 2008
Shirley sorry to hear about Jim's passing. You are in our prayers.
Marj Stolle
January 10, 2008
Shirley & Family,
It greatly saddens me to hear of Mr. Earp's passing. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to work for such a fine person. He was a great role model & you always knew his expectations of others. I will always cherish the special memories from the years I was able to work for such a super boss. Mr. Earp will be greatly missed by many.
bernie digilio
January 10, 2008
jim,it was great working for you and knowing you.god bless
bernie digilio
January 10, 2008
jim,you were a great man to work for and know.no more suffering.god bless.
JON KELLY
January 10, 2008
BIG JIM, MY FAMILY AND I WILL NEVER FOREGET THE OPPORTUNITIES YOU HAVE GIVEN US. YOU ARE MY MENTOR AND MY FRIEND. I MISS THE GOLF CART RIDES WITH YOU AROUND THE DEALERSHIP AND THE ROUNDS OF GOLF. THE TALKS WE HAD.YOU TOOK SUCH GOOD CARE OF MY MOTHER.FOR THAT I WILL ALWAYS BE GREATFUL.SHE LOVES YOU SO MUCH. WHEN PROBLEMS COME UP AT THE DEALERSHIP I ALWAYS THINK WHAT WOULD JIM DO? THE ANSWERS ALWAYS COME WE WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU MOM AND BIG JIM. THE KELLYS JON,KAREN,MAKENA AND KEONI
Kelly Ramm
January 10, 2008
Dear Grandfather,
You were the gentle giant in our lives. We love you, and miss you. Peace be with you.
Matthew 11:28 "Come to me, all who are weary, and I will give you rest."
Love,
Kelly
Sylvia Wagner
January 10, 2008
Jim Dear,
I know you and Bob have found a great golf course.
Your friendship was eternal.
John Larsen
January 10, 2008
Mr. Earp was a one of a kind individual! He gave myself and countless others an opportunity to reach new heights in their careers and in their lives. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of his family and friends!
Chris Maddalena
January 10, 2008
I wrote this for Jim two years ago. He loved it, so I thought this was a good place to share.
Here is a man who built his dealership in 1965.
with Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge, with excellence you strive.
You commanded loyalty and respect from all you employ.
You've intimidated, encouraged, gossiped, but it's been a joy.
You lived by example, you were there everyday.
Even the "crud" never got in your way.
Vacations a word with a meaning quite clear.
"What can you do there that you can't do here"?
From the weeds to the trash, a piece of paper, a cup,
"If it were a 5 dollar bill I bet you'd pick it up".
Your values and work ethic have influenced everyone you meet.
From the washrack, the office even customers off the street.
You worked real hard and gave it the old college try.
"CAN SOMEBODY TELL ME WHY"?
I'll think of you fondly, I'll do my part. And I'll always remember
"Nobody but nobody undersells Jim Earp.
Eugene Kidder
January 9, 2008
Shirley, I am sad to read of Jim's passing and our prayers are with you and your family. Jim's support was an inspiration to my racing career. I was proud to display his "Nobody but nobody undersells Jim Earp!" slogan on my race car. Jim, you had a great ride! See ya later. Gene & Susan Kidder..Member, NE Auto Racing Hall of Fame
Harry Simpson
January 9, 2008
Rest James, until you hear at dawn,
the low, clear reveille of God.
Thank you for your service to this nation.
Mr & Mrs John Kraft
January 9, 2008
We are so sorry. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Earp family at this difficult time.
Cindy Goforth
January 9, 2008
Shirley, I am so sorry to hear of Jim's passing, I will never forget how Jim would tease me about that new guy (Larry)and always 2 ice-cubes in his tea at lunch at Anthony's, his presence everyday put a smile on my face and Shirley, your face would light up when Jim walked thru those doors. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God Bless you and Rest in Peace Jim. Cindy and Larry
Mike Beal
January 8, 2008
Shirley & family, sorry to here about Jim, he was a Great boss, a friend and a father figure to me. He was a great teacher to all who did not know the car business! He gave people chances to grow with him. I will never forget what he has done for me!!! in the last 30+ years that I worked with him. He will be greatly missed.!!!!!!!!
Bill Fead
January 8, 2008
Thanks for your Military Service.
Past Commander V.F.W.
JOHN GAST
January 8, 2008
MR EARP IS, AND WILL ALWAYS BE TO ME
A FIRST CLASS INDIVIDUAL, WHO TOOK
FEAR AND UNCERTAINTY OUT OF THE EQUATION, AND MADE IT A DREAM TO WORK IN THE CAR BUSINESS. I GIVE HIM
CREDIT FOR MY SUCCESS, AND CONSIDER HIS PASSING A GREAT LOSS TO US THAT KNEW HIM, WORKED WITH HIM, AND LAUGHED WITH HIM
Jerry House
January 8, 2008
It has been many years, You were a great boss and an honorable man. Rest in Peace "Old Smiley"
Terry Scott
January 8, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Dee Dee Sortino
January 8, 2008
Shirley, Judy and Family,
You showed the best support to Jim. I am grateful for the opportunity to get acquainted with your family and Jim. I enjoyed his nightly visits to my desk and conversation. Jim was the best.
This world will definitely miss Jim and all remaining will fill the void.
Sincerely
Dee Dee Sortino
Terry Thomas
January 8, 2008
I first met Jim in 1968 when he gave me an opportunity to sell cars. He was a great mentor and dear friend. I will miss his visits to my dealership and the great conversations we had.
Shari Wuster Seals
January 8, 2008
I met Jim as I served dinner at his class reunion in Baird TX several years ago. I recognized him as a strong businessman from my years growing up in Omaha. It is such a small world.And his loss will be felt in both Omaha and Baird.
JON SIMONS
January 8, 2008
MISS YOU AND LOVE YOU PAPPO. I WILL NEVER FORGET YOU. NOBODY BUT NOBODY WILL EVER REPLACE YOU.
LOVE JON
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