Jim Durflinger

Jimmy “Jim” Dale Durflinger, of Alexandria, Nebraska, was born February 16, 1948, in Fairbury, Nebraska, to Vinton and Shirley (House) Durflinger. He spent nearly his entire life in Alexandria and passed away on January 10, 2026, at Thayer County Health Services in Hebron, Nebraska, surrounded by his loving family.

Jim attended Alexandria Public School, where he graduated with the Class of 1966. On June 10, 1967, Jim married his high school sweetheart, Margie Knigge, and together they shared a loving life filled with family, friends, and community involvement.

Jim worked as a hired hand for Daryl Easley during high school. Early in their marriage, Jim and Marge moved to DeWitt, Nebraska, where he worked for a short time at Peterson Manufacturing. He later moved his family back to Alexandria after accepting a position as custodian with Meridian Public Schools. Jim worked first in the Alexandria building and later transferred to the new school near Daykin.

Jim dedicated 43 years of his life to Meridian Public Schools, where he worked as head of maintenance and head groundskeeper, ensuring that the school’s facilities and grounds were well-maintained for students and staff. The Meridian football field was his pride and joy, and upon his retirement, a sign was dedicated in his honor and unveiled in the fall of 2013, marking his lasting legacy and the tremendous impact he had on the school and community.

Jim served as president of the Alexandria Cemetery Association, dedicating 40 years to the upkeep of the cemetery and ensuring it remained a place of beauty and respect. He also was a proud member of the Alexandria Community Club, where he gave of his time and energy to support various community events and initiatives for many years.

An avid Nebraska sports fan, Jim spent much of his life watching games and supporting his beloved Cornhuskers. He also dedicated countless hours of "bleacher butt"—cheering on his daughters and grandchildren at their various school and sporting events, always there to support them with his signature enthusiasm and pride.

Jim was also a familiar face at the local cafe, where he could often be found enjoying afternoon card games with his close-knit group of friends. These daily games brought Jim great joy, and he valued the camaraderie and connection that came with each round of cards.

A kind and humble man, Jim had a gift for fixing almost anything and was always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need. He was a devoted member of the Alexandria Presbyterian Church, where he served as an Elder many times. Jim also helped maintain the Meridian Cemetery in rural Jefferson County.

In his younger years, Jim was an avid bird hunter, and throughout his life, he cherished fishing, often spending time at the Alexandria State Lakes, where he could be found with friends and family at his favorite fishing spots, the “honey holes.”

Jim is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 59 years, Margie (Knigge) Durflinger of Alexandria; daughters, Vicky (Steve) Taylor of Alexandria, Diane (Todd) Vorderstrasse of Alexandria, and Jenni (Gunner) Mumford of Hebron; grandchildren, Jeff (Brienna) Taylor of Beatrice, Becca (Alex) Tobias of Lincoln, Corey (Camille)Taylor of Lincoln, Seth (fiancé Madison) Mumford of Iowa, Brooklynne Mumford and special friend Noah of Lincoln, and Lil Gunner Mumford and special friend Jaala of Alexandria; great-grandchildren, Mavis, Barrett, and the unborn baby Taylor great grandson (due in May); sisters, Marilyn (Everett) Schardt of Hebron , Dixie (John) Branson of Gering; brothers, Don (Juli) Durflinger of Alexandria, Robert Durflinger of Idaho, and Richard (Gail) Durflinger of Alexandria; sisters-in-law, Betty Bulin of Geneva, Darlene Hudson of Colorado, Lois Knigge of Fairbury, Wilma (Gary) Luther of Grand Island, Cheri (Rod) Domeier of Sutton, and Pat Knigge of Fairbury; His beloved favorite cat little Gray as well as many extended family members and friends who will miss him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Vinton and Shirley ( House) Durflinger; in-laws, David Levi and Pauline (Komrs) Knigge; sister and brother-in-law, Kathleen and Roy Morgan; brother-in-law, Lynn Hudson; brother-in-law, Howard “Swede” Bulin; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Wanda Lee and Charles “Mac” McMillan; brother-in-law, Don Knigge; brother-in-law, Wayne Knigge; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Pauline and Bill Disney; brother-in-law, Leland Knigge; sister-in-law, Denise Durflinger; and infant brother, Billy Durflinger.

Pallbearers will be Bob Barton, Kathy Houser, Jack Sobotka, Clint Jones, Gary Mau, Steve Deger, and Randy Jess.

Honorary Pallbearers are Jim’s Grand Children and Great Grandchildren.

Jim’s legacy of service, humility, and love for his family and community will be remembered by all who knew him.

A Memorial Service for Jim will be held at Alexandria Presbyterian Church on Saturday, January 17th at 11:00 a.m. Family and friends are invited to gather at the church for visitation with the family on Friday, January 16th, from 6:00–8:00 p.m.

Inurnment will follow the service at Alexandria Cemetery. A luncheon will be held at the church following the inurnment.

Guests are encouraged to wear Meridian gear or Husker attire in honor of Jim.

Memorials may be directed to Alexandria Presbyterian Church or Alexandria Cemetery, designated for a memorial bench at Alexandria Community Park. Contributions may also be mailed to Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 15, Fairbury, Nebraska 68352.

Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home of Fairbury and Price Funeral Home of Hebron are assisting the Durflinger family with these arrangements.