Jim R. Salsman

Jim R. Salsman, 97, of Grant, Nebraska, passed away on October 21, 2025, at the Independence House at Coddington in Lincoln.

Jim was born on November 27, 1927, on the family farm near Imperial, Nebraska, to J.I. and May (Cowherd) Salsman. He attended country school and then graduated from Perkins County High School in 1946. Following graduation, Jim worked with his dad on the family farm. After which, Jim proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force until his discharge in April 1950.

On April 1, 1951, Jim married Beulah Joyce Barry at the Grant United Methodist Church. Together they made their home on the family farm south of Grant, raising three children-Rick, Merry, and Ron. Jim and Joyce shared a love of flying, logging over 1,000 hours in the air as members of the Flying Farmers, traveling to events across the country in Jim's airplane. Earning his instrument flight rating was one of Jim's proudest achievements.

Over the years, Jim and Joyce enjoyed participating in bowling leagues and card clubs. They loved to go dancing and were devoted fans of their local high school teams and the Huskers, and they treasured the many cruises they took with dear friends. They cherished every opportunity to spend time with family, finding great joy in being with their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Jim had a passion for technology and always enjoyed having the latest technology. He loved visiting with friends-and even strangers-and always had a story to tell, bringing laughter to everyone around him.

A lifelong farmer, Jim dedicated his life to agriculture. He took great pride in his crops and cattle. He served on the Grant Co-op Board for many years, and was a lifelong member of the Grant United Methodist Church and the Masonic Lodge.

A loving son, brother, father, uncle, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Jim was a blessing to all who knew him. We were so fortunate to have been loved by him. He will be remembered as a man of faith, family, and quiet integrity-a true gentleman devoted to those he loved, especially his beloved wife, Joyce, who preceded him in death in 2019.

He was also preceded in death by his parents; sister, Evalyn (Arnold) Kirkegaard; brother, Charley (Doralyn) Salsman; and son-in-law, Mike Zoellner.

Jim is survived by his children, Rick (Kathy) Salsman of Grant, Merry Zoellner of Lincoln, and Ron (Julie) Salsman of York; grandchildren, Danny Salsman of Grant, Michael (Abby) Zoellner of Omaha, Kaitlyn Zoellner of Lincoln, Abbie (Jeff) Neujahr of Lexington, and Ryan Salsman of York; great-grandchildren, Molly, Charlie, Finn, and Clara Zoellner, and Hank and Duke Neujahr; along with many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Funeral services will be held Monday, October 27, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at the Grant United Methodist Church, with Pastor Spenser Johnson officiating. Interment with military honors will follow at Grant Fairview Cemetery.

Visitation will be held on Monday morning from 11 a.m. until service time at the church.

Memorials are suggested to Western Sky CCC, P.O. Box 966, Grant, NE 69140, or to the Grant United Methodist Church in memory of Jim.

Bullock-Long Funeral Home of Grant is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be shared at bullocklongfuneralhome.com, where the services will be streamed live.