James Wayne Rathman

1948 - 2025

James Wayne Rathman

October 15, 1948 - September 23, 2025

James Wayne Rathman, 76, of Aurora, Nebraska, passed away on September 23, 2025, at Bryan West Medical Center in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 A.M. Monday, September 29 th at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Aurora. Rev. Mark Seiker will officiate. Interment will be in the Aurora Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 – 7 P.M. Sunday at St. Mary's Catholic Church. Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance and celebration of a life well lived. Memorials may be made to the family to designate at a later date. Higby-McQuiston Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be made to the family through the mortuary website at www.higbymortuary.com.

OBITUARY: JAMES RATHMAN

James Wayne Rathman, 76, of Aurora, Nebraska, passed away on September 23, 2025, at Bryan West Medical Center in Lincoln, Nebraska. Born on October 15, 1948, in Grand Island, Nebraska, Jim lived a life defined by quiet strength, deep commitment to his family, and a genuine love for the land he farmed.

After graduating from high school, Jim began his working life at New Holland, later joining his brother Tom at Manning Rathman Construction. He eventually started farming with his father-in-law, Joe Strotman, taking over the operation in 1980. He continued farming with dedication and pride until his retirement in 2022. Farming wasn 't just a livelihood for Jim - it was a calling that he loved deeply.

Jim's passions included fishing, hunting, playing 6-point pitch, and cheering on the Nebraska Cornhuskers. He especially enjoyed his daily coffee gatherings with "the boys", where he shared laughs, wisdom, and camaraderie. A man of few words, Jim was known for his quiet presence, his thoughtful listening, and for speaking with honesty, truth, and a depth of knowledge that left a lasting impact.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Becky Rathman, of 54 years; his children, daughter Laurie Barry (husband Brian), sons Jim Rathman (wife Jessica), and Jeff Rathman (wife Rachel); and his treasured grandchildren, Lexi and Wes Rathman. He is also survived by his brother Tom Rathman and sisters-in-law Karla Smith and Shirley Strotman.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Norma Rathman; his brothers, Don and Michael Rathman; his sister-in-law, Laveda Rathman (Don's wife); and his sister-in-law, Yolanda Rathman (Tom's wife).