JAMES "JIM" LAWLER, 85 of Paxton, NE, passed away Wednesday, November 4, 2015 at the Golden Ours Convalescent Home in Grant.

Jim was born January 16, 1930 in North Platte, Nebraska to Harvey “H.D.” and Georgia (Feltz) Lawler. He attended District 16 rural school from 1st through 8th grade and then spent his Freshman year at the Nebraska School of Agriculture in Curtis, which was typical of farmers/ranchers of that time. He graduated from Paxton High School and then furthered his education at Regis University in Denver, CO.

Jim married Peggy Marie Heiser on September 26, 1949 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Paxton. The couple made their home on the Lawler homestead. Their union was blessed with 3 daughters.

Jim continued the legacy of his grandfather and had a passion for farming and ranching. He loved the land, his cattle, and worked hard to refine his operation. He was a skilled roper, cattleman and loved watching rodeos. He and Peggy enjoyed traveling all around to attend various rodeo events. He served as a County Commissioner for several years. He was a long time member of the Elks Lodge in Ogallala and a lifelong member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Paxton.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and a grandson, Zach Upton.

Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Peggy "Lou" of Paxton; 3 daughters, Barbara (Wayne) Upton of Monroe, Connecticut, Kae (Greg) Madden of Westminster, CO, Jo (Barry) Perlinger of Paxton; 6 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, November 9, 2015 at 10:00 AM at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Paxton with Father Bryan Ernest as Celebrant. Burial will be in the Paxton Cemetery. Prairie Hills Funeral Home of Ogallala is in charge of arrangements.