James L. Koley

Koley, James L.
Age 83

James Lawrence Koley died Thursday, October 3, 2013 after a courageous battle with cancer. Jim was born August 26, 1930 in St. Louis, Missouri to Peter and Alverda Koley. Jim grew up and spent most of his life in Omaha, Nebraska. He graduated from St. Peter Elementary School, Creighton Preparatory School, Creighton University, and Creighton University School of Law. Following graduation, Jim proudly served in the United States Army as a First Lieutenant. His legal career in Omaha included serving as Deputy County Attorney for Douglas County, an executive and Secretary of Peter Kiewit & Sons, and in 1988 co-founded Koley Jessen law firm, from which he retired. Jim was admitted to and argued in front of the Supreme Court of the United States of America in a landmark case supporting freedom of the press. He was also admitted to the Supreme Court of the State of Nebraska, the United States Court of Claims, and the United States Court of Appeals, Eighth District. Jim was published in the Nebraska Law Review, the Creighton Law Review, and the Harvard Law Review. Jim served on the Board of 17 different companies, including serving as Chairman of Dover Corporation. "Jim was an active member of the Catholic parishes all of his life, especially Christ the King, St Margaret Mary, and Saint Mary Magdalene churches in Omaha. He was an honored member of the Archbishop's Committee for Educational Development and played an leading role in the founding and operation of several Catholic High Schools, especially Fr. Flanagan High School as well as V. J. and Angela Skutt High School. Many of the prominent leaders of the Catholic and Civic communities of Omaha turned to him frequently for advice and counsel. "His wisdom was second to none," stated Msgr. James E. Gilg of Omaha.
Jim was preceded in death by his loving wife of 49 years, Patricia Killeas Koley; his parents Peter A. and Alverda E. Koley; and sister Dolores O'Leary. Survivors include his children, John Koley of Le Mars, Iowa, Grace (Kim) Sickler and her husband Robert of Houston, TX, Caroline Koley of Maui, HI, and Patrick Koley of Omaha, NE; sister Loretta Jancoski and her husband Gerard of Issaquah, WA; brother George Koley and his wife Caroline of Mt. Vernon, WA. Jim was also blessed with sixteen grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.
A MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL will be 10:30am Saturday, October 12, 2013 at St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church in Omaha, NE, Msgr. James Gilg officiating. Interment Calvary Cemetery in Le Mars, IA, at 3:30pm. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy or donations may be made to St. Mary Magdalene Church, 109 South 19th St., Omaha, NE 68102. JOHN A. GENTLEMAN MORTUARIES
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