James "Jim" Bamsey

1943 - 2024

James "Jim" Bamsey

Mass of Christian Burial for James "Jim" Bamsey, age 80, of Norfolk, Nebraska will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Norfolk. Reverend Brett Jamrog will be celebrant, with burial in Prospect Hill Cemetery in Norfolk.

The service will be livestreamed on the funeral home website.

Visitation will be Tuesday from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the church, with a 7:00 p.m. Vigil Service.

Brockhaus-Howser-Fillmer Funeral Home in Norfolk is in charge of arrangements.

Jim died Monday, April 22, 2024, at Faith Regional Health Services in Norfolk.

James "Jim" Bamsey was born May 27, 1943, in Wall, S.D., to Lyndon and Clara (Lurz) Bamsey. The family moved to Chadron, NE when Jim was in elementary school.

Jim graduated from Assumption Academy in Chadron in 1961. He earned a bachelor's of math and education and a master's degree in math from Chadron State College.

Jim married Bonnie Zahm on June 25, 1966. The couple lived in Chadron, Gordon, North Platte, Grand Island, Alliance, and Norfolk during their 57-year marriage. Jim and Bonnie had five children, Kathleen (Matt) Pantoja, Michael (Katie Fuchtman), Kelli (Jay) Hawkins, Bob (Rosanna Brunelli), and Kristi (Dustin) Volkmer.

Jim started his career teaching high school math in Gordon. He later began working for the telephone company, eventually retiring as a manager of Qwest, formerly US West. After retiring he began teaching math and helping students in the math lab at Northeast Community College where he shared his math knowledge with college students for 22 years.

Because Jim loved being a part of the lives of his children and 18 grandchildren, he and Bonnie were constantly traveling to be a part of their activities. Jim loved boating and spending time at Medelman's Lake with family, playing cards and games, golfing, spending time outdoors, Husker football, attending Norfolk Catholic sporting events, and being with friends. The family cherishes memories of yearly vacations with the Shald family, especially traveling to the Lake of the Ozarks and the Black Hills. Jim was a devout Catholic. His family will always remember his gentle manner, strong faith, and content spirit.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, George.

He was survived by his wife, five children, and 18 grandchildren, Kateri and Kiara Pantoja; Preston and Keelyn Bamsey; James, Clara, and Sammy Hawkins; Amelia, Bennett, Blaise, Brenden, Bono, Bosco, Monica, and Bobby Bamsey; and Clancy, Birdie, and Lulu Volkmer.

Memorials will be designated at a later date.