James Ledbetter

James Ledbetter, 86, 0f Chappell passed away Thursday morning, August 5, 2021, in North Platte, Nebraska.

Cremation has taken place and memorial services and inurnment will be held at a later date.

Memorials in Jim’s name are suggested to Alzheimer or Diabetes Research.

Holechek-Bondegard Funeral Home and Cremations in Chappell is serving the Ledbetter family.

James William was born June 30,1935 in North Platte, Nebraska to Earl and Mary E. (Damon) Ledbetter.  The family lived in Big Springs and then moved to Seattle, Washington where Jim’s parents worked for Boeing Aircraft.  After the war they moved to Chappell. 

Jim attended Chappell Public Schools and graduated from Deuel County High School in 1953.  While in school he was active in sports and was a member of the basketball team that won the “Class “C” State Basketball Championship” in 1953.

Jim and Mardelle Wier were married in 1954 and became parents of 3 children, Christi Jane, Kelly James, and Curtis Damon.  He dearly loved his family and was much loved by them.  He was always there for them, thru good times and bad, with endless patience and encouragement.

Jim worked part time for the Chappell Farmers Elevator Co. while still in high school and after graduation became a full-time employee.  He was at the elevator 42 ½ years- 28 of them as the General Manager.  He retired in 1995.  Under his leadership the company became one of the most respected in the state, and he was inducted into the Nebraska Co-Operative Hall of Fame in 2006.

Jim was a member of the United Methodist Church for nearly 70 years.  He served on the financial committee in earlier years. 

He was a charter member of the J.C.’s and held all offices in that organization.  He belonged to ELKS Lodge #1894 in Sidney, Nebraska.  He was secretary/treasurer of the Chappell Chamber of Commerce for some years.

Jim had many interests.  He liked to hunt, fish, and water ski and was an avid golfer.  He won the Men’s Club Championship 6 times and recorded 4 Hole-In-Ones.  He played an important part in establishing the Chappell Golf Course and was secretary/treasurer for many years.

Jim was a licensed private pilot and logged many hours on business and pleasure trips in his Piper Cherokee Archer.

He was a loving husband, dad and grandpa, and will be forever in our hearts. 

Jim is survived by his wife of 67 years, Mardelle; daughter, Christi, and husband, Randy Butts; his sons Kelly and Curtis Ledbetter; granddaughters, Ashlee Folsom and Lindsey, and husband, Nick Brezina; grandsons, Jacob and Levi Ledbetter; and great-grandson, Raleigh Ledbetter.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Mary Elizabeth.