James B. Mashek

James "Jim" Bernard Mashek, 71, passed away peacefully at home on August 31, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Jim was born on February 1, 1954, in Mitchell, South Dakota, to Leonard and Margaret (Hoffman) Mashek. He grew up in Kimball, South Dakota, and later met his high school sweetheart, Rena Newby, in Chamberlain, SD. The two were married on November 24, 1973, and shared 52 wonderful years together.

In 1973, Jim proudly enlisted in the United States Army, serving until 1976. He received an honorable discharge and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, as well as commendations as an Expert Grenade thrower and Sharpshooter with the M16 rifle. Much of his service was spent in Germany.

In 1978, Jim began his career with the BNSF Railroad, where he worked as a track foreman and later as a roadmaster. In 1980, Jim and Rena made Alliance, Nebraska, their home. Jim dedicated 36 years of loyal service to BNSF Railroad before retiring in 2014. He was known as a hardworking man whose coworkers respected and enjoyed working alongside him.

When he retired, Jim enjoyed spending time outdoors tinkering in the yard and garage, but most of all he treasured time with his grandchildren-taking them places and making memories that meant the world to him. His retirement was sadly cut short in November 2019 due to illness, leading to six years of pain and being homebound, during which he continued to show strength and courage.

Jim was an avid athlete and especially loved playing softball. He excelled at shortstop, where his strong arm and quick reflexes stood out. Known for his abundance of home runs, Jim was often recognized as MVP on his teams, which earned him the nickname "Smashek." The friendships and memories he made on the field remained some of his proudest and happiest times.

Above all, Jim cherished time with his family. He loved his children deeply and found his greatest joy in being a grandfather. His grandchildren were the light of his life, and he treasured every moment spent with Nick, Avery, Zekyel, and Neva.

Jim is survived by his wife, Rena; and their three children, Angela (Ted) of Gordon, NE, Erik of Alliance, NE, and Summer of Alliance, NE. He is also survived by his four grandchildren, Nick, Avery, Zekyel, and Neva.

He is further survived by his sisters, Trudie (Jerry) Boedeker and Debbie (Bill) Ernest; and his brothers, Rick (Tammy) Mashek, Joe (Denise) Mashek, and Chris (Debbie) Mashek.

Jim is also survived by his in-laws: Diane (Ron) Furr, Ronnie Newby, Kenny (Ruth) Newby, Dick Thomas, and George Martin.

Special great-nephews Victor and Nick Gallegos, Bobbie Arraj, and great-niece Valesha Gallegos also survive him, along with many other beloved nephews and nieces, great-nephews and nieces, and great-great-nephews and nieces. He is also survived by ex-daughter-in-law Heather Warren and ex-son-in-law Michael Swanson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Margaret; his brothers, Patrick, Mike, and Jack; his sisters, Vickie and Holly; his parents-in-law, Avery and Dorothy Newby; his sisters-in-law, Delanie Mordhorst, Donna Newby, and Esther Newby; his brother-in-law, Rick Newby; and his nephew, Eugene Newby.

Jim's memory will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and all who were blessed to know him.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to benefit his beloved grandchildren, c/o 815 Emerson, Alliance, NE 69301.

A Celebration of Life will be Saturday, September 27, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Eagles Club in Alliance, Nebraska.