James "Jim" Shoemaker

A Funeral Mass for James "Jim" Francis Shoemaker, age 83, of O'Neill will be 10:00 am Saturday, October 25, 2025 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Atkinson, NE. Burial will follow in the O'Neill Cemetery in O'Neill with Military Honors by the O'Neill American Legion Simonson Post #93. Visitation will be on Friday, October 24, 2025 from 5-7pm at Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill with a 7:00 pm Knights of Columbus Rosary. Jim passed away on Monday, October 20, 2025 in Omaha. Memorials may be directed to the Nebraska Chapter of Alzheimer's Association and St. Patrick's Catholic Church. Arrangements are entrusted to Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill.

James Francis Shoemaker was born on October 13, 1942, in O'Neill, NE to Leonard and Cleta (McNichols) Shoemaker of O'Neill, NE. Jim grew up with his parents, sisters, Joann and Mary Ellen and brothers, Gene, and Jerry on a farm north of O'Neill. Jim graduated from St. Mary's High School in 1960 where he enjoyed playing Football and running Track. He then joined the US Air Force and served four years in Spain. When he returned from the Air Force, Jim worked at Kelly Plumbing and then later at the Rural Electric Association (REA), until he retired after 35 years, at 58 years old. At the same time, he farmed and ranched outside of O'Neill.

On January 29, 1966, Jim was united in marriage to Dianne Moeller at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in O'Neill. To this union, seven children were born. They lived in O'Neill where they raised their family.

Jim was a lifelong member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus and served on the St, Patrick's Parish Council, St. Mary's School Board and helped coach many St. Mary's track teams. He was an active and avid supporter of his children in sports and school activities throughout their grade school and high school years.

Jim loved being a rancher, and some of his most memorable post-retirement times were cattle drives with his South neighbors, riding his horse.

Jim is survived by his wife Dianne and four children and their families, daughters, Jo Ellen and John Akerboom of Omaha NE; Maureen Shoemaker of Columbus, NE; Mary Long of Omaha, NE; son Chris and Sarah Shoemaker of Thornton, CO; son-in law, Lynn Pierce of Lincoln, NE; 10 grandchildren, Rachel, Brady, Olivia, Samantha, Haley, Seth, Jamie, Hannah, Nick and Jack; and one great-grandchild, Emilia. He is also survived by his siblings, Mary Ellen Humpal of La Crosse, WI and Jerry Shoemaker of O'Neill, NE; and many nieces and nephews.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents Leonard and Cleta Shoemaker; two sons, George and Jimmy Shoemaker; his daughter, Margaret (Maggie) Pierce; his brother, Gene Shoemaker; and his sister, Joann Schaaf.