James "Jim" Dean O'Mara

The family peacemaker, a treasured friend, and the most kind, caring soul; James “Jim” O’Mara, 55, of Sumner, NE tragically lost his life in a car accident on May 10, 2025. Jim will be remembered as the friend who was always willing to lend a helping hand, offering to BBQ some ribs and a brisket, and had a story or two to tell.

On August 26, 1969, Jim was born to Sarah (Kinish) and Kenneth in Kearney, NE. He was the second of three children. Jim loved his family and there wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for them. In fact, his senior year of high school while home sick with mono he walked all around the town of Crawford pulling a sled full of Girl Scout cookies just to help his sister to get them delivered. Much like his mother, Jim always had a smile to share; and like his grandmother (Lily Kinish) he always wanted to ensure no one left hungry.

Life provided Jim the opportunity to experience several schools growing up; however the majority of memories and friendships were cultivated at S-E-M and Crawford. He also attended Chadron State College, studying agriculture and sociology. During his school years Jim always enjoyed socializing while delivering the newspaper, scooping snow off sidewalks, mowing yards, and busing tables. Jim never knew a stranger as everyone was his friend. As an adult Jim had a passion for farm life and BBQ. He worked for others milking cattle, feeding hogs, and custom farming; along with raising his own certified organic crops and caring for his small herd. For several years Jim had his own BBQ trailer that could usually be found at the truck stop in Elm Creek. No matter what he did, he took pride in his work. Jim was a man of faith and had been a friend of Bill’s 11 days shy of 19 years.

There are no words to express the magnitude of how much Jim will be missed by his brother Richard of Crocker, MO; sister Julie of Rapid City, SD; niece Jeanie (Stuto) of Bellevue, NE; nephew Toby (Kline) of Rapid City, SD; great niece Afton (Stuto) and great nephew Adrian (Stuto) of Bellevue, NE; aunts: Barbara (Dunn), Angela (Booton), Lois (Hickey), Karen (Joebgen); uncle: Paul (O’Mara); many cousins; plus a multitude of friends.

If you truly knew Jim, you know he’s happily cooking BBQ in the sky for his mother Sarah; father Kenneth; grandparents: Lily and Arthur (Kinish) and LouElla and Earl (O’Mara); aunts: Virginia (Hickey); Theresa (Potter), Angie (Heideman); uncles: Edward (Kinish); Jerome (O’Mara); James (O’Mara); Roger (O’Mara); and Richard (O’Mara); a few cousins; and a handful of friends.

Those who loved Jim are invited to join his family at the Eddyville Community Center in Eddyville, NE on May 27, 2025, at 11am for a memorial service officiated by Pastor Ken. Following the service there will be a community lunch.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests random acts of kindness be paid forward. For memorials the family suggests donations towards the upkeep and care of Eddyville’s Saint Patrick’s Cemetery.

The family would like to extend the invitation that should anyone like memorial ash please contact Julie via email: j.m.omara@gmail.com to make arrangements prior to the service.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home, Monuments and Cremation Services has been entrusted with the arrangements. Please visit our website at www.carpenterbreland.com to sign the guest book.