Billie Lee James

1945 - 2025

Billie Lee James

July 9, 1945 - May 19, 2025

Billie Lee James, 79, of Mitchell, NE, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 19, 2025, at home. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 am on Saturday, May 24th at the Mitchell Berean Church with Pastor Ben Phillips officiating. Inurnment will be at 2 pm at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Morrill. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mitchell Berean Church or SonScape Retreats. Online condolences may be made by viewing Billie's memorial at www.bridgmanfuneralhome.com.

Bill was born on July 9, 1945, to Dwight and Earlene (Williams) James in Wilsonville, NE. He attended Chalk Butte School and Morrill School. He married Rene' Mont on July 26, 1963, and together they had three children, Rhonda, Brian, and Nathan. Together they farmed in the Stegall and Mitchell area for over 20 years. During this time, he, Rene', and their children were very active in 4-H where he served as a 4-H leader. He also coached little league baseball. These years hold special memories for his family. He then moved into Mitchell, where he went to work at Western Sugar Company as the Warehouse Leadman for the next 28 years. He was a volunteer fireman with the Mitchell Fire Department for several years, served on the Mitchell City Council for over 20 years, and served on the Mitchell Drain Ditch board for 36 years. He was a member of the Mitchell Berean Church.

Bill loved following all sports and especially his beloved Detroit Lions. He spent his free time in his yard and garden growing a bountiful crop of vegetables every year, which he was more than happy to share. He was also handy building yard decor out of old barnwood, which he gave to his family.

Bill is survived by his wife of almost 62 years, Rene'; daughter, Rhonda (Jeff) Schledewitz; son, Brian (Kareen) James; son, Nathan James (Kayla Van Hoosear); grandchildren who affectionately called him Grampy, James (Joanna) Schledewitz, Austen James, Tayler (Liz) James, Sydni (Alex) Closson, Shayleigh (Austin) Clarkson, Mia James, William James, Jack James, Aaliyah, Ricky, Giovanni, Everlee, Rogan James; great-grandchildren, Camden, Charlotte, Bennett, Thatcher, Hudson, Paxton, and Hayden; several nieces and nephews, as well as other special grandchildren including, Maurice Walker and Willie Wilson; sisters, Barbara James and Jennie Emerson; brothers, Jack and DL James; brother-in-law, Richard Mont; and his beloved dog, Mikey.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dwight and Earlene James; sister, Darla Graham; brother, Richard James; sister-in-law, Marjorie Reynolds; and in-laws, George and Alma Peterson.

The family expresses our appreciation to the Mitchell Volunteer Fire Department as well as many caring friends.

Bridgman Funeral Home