James "Jim" Happ

James J. "Jim" Happ, of Greeley passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at the age of 79.
James Joseph was born on July 28, 1945, at Spalding, Nebraska, the second child of fifteen born to Joseph and Ethel (Purdy) Happ. He spent his early childhood years on the family farm receiving his early education at District #54 rural school. While attending Greeley Sacred Heart School Jim excelled in sports and graduated in 1963 as the Valedictorian.
Following high school Jim attended Kearney State College until he joined the United States Army. He was stationed at Fort Gordon, Augusta, Georgia and served from January of 1968 to January of 1970.
On August 26, 1978, Jim and Peggy A. Graff were united in marriage at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Greeley, Nebraska. The couple was blessed with a daughter, Amy Jo. The family made their home in Greeley and Jim worked on the family farm his entire life.
Jim was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church and Charles E. Martin American Legion #186. He spent time watching sports and was a Huskers and Yankees Fan. He enjoyed playing pool and cards, discussing politics and current issues and attending his grandsons athletic events.
His favorite times were spent with his special nephew, E.J. Graff, farming, checking on crops and cattle, attending cattle auctions and working on machinery.
Survivors include his wife of 46 years, Peggy of Greeley; a daughter and son-in-law, Amy and Kai Fournier of Lincoln; three grandsons, Kaden, Caleb and Miles Fournier; five brothers and two sisters-in-law, Joe and Karen, Ted and Patty, Larry, Peter, and Paul; six sisters and brothers-in-law, Dorothy and Ervin Woltman, Jeanne Happ, Terri and John Burke, Judy Maller, Diane Howeth, Mary and Matt Glesinger, and Howard Leino; Peggy's family: Susie, Kimberly and E.J. Graff and Jay Graff and Steve Austin; a host of nieces, nephew, relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Jerry; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Marilyn and Skip Carper, Rosemary Leino, Tom Howeth, Jeff Maller and John Graff.
Mr. Happ's wishes were to be cremated. A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Greeley, Nebraska. Father Lawrence Vadakkan and Deacon Paul Nordhues will be the Mass Celebrants. Inurnment will be in the Greeley Cemetery. Military Honors will be presented by Charles E. Martin American Legion Post #186. The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Church. The Rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m.
Memorials are suggested to the Family's Choice.