James Ray Fangmeier

James Ray Fangmeier, son of Rudolph and Wilma (Meyer) Fangmeier, was born on August 24, 1954 in Hebron, Nebraska.  He departed this life on March 9, 2023 at the age of 68 years.

James was one of 5 children.  He was Baptized and Confirmed at Grace Lutheran Church in Hebron, Nebraska.  James graduated from Hebron High School in 1972.  After graduation, James attended Southeast Community College in Milford and studied Building Construction.  James owned a construction business with his brother, Larry and they also did custom harvesting.  After dissolving the construction company, James went to work for Norris Public Power in 1987.  James retired April 30, 2019 with 32 years of service.  James was also involved with the family farm operation up until the time of his death.

James was united in marriage to Tammi Williams on October 17, 1976 at the Presbyterian Church in Hebron, Nebraska. In 1981 Tammi gave birth to Christopher James and in 1983 to Andrew William. The family of four loved spending the summers at Harlan County Reservoir.  Many summer vacations were spent at the Lake of the Ozarks, Tablerock, and lakes in Minnesota.

Later in life, James was united in marriage to Mary Day Powell on June 30, 2000 at Grace Lutheran Church in Hebron, Nebraska.

James enjoyed working on the family farm with his brothers and sister.  Sometimes the wives wondered if that was just their escape to get out of the house and BS with each other.  They built a unique man cave at the farm where they could target practice.  James also had a great love for the water.  James and Mary have a cabin at Harlan County Lake where they had spent many great times with family and friends.  He loved to pull the kids and grandkids behind the boat on the tube.  He also taught a few of them to ski! Oh, the stories that could be told sitting around the camp fire, but what happens at the lake, stays at the lake!  James loved teaching his boys and his grandchildren how to work with their hands.  James could fix anything!  It seemed like at the lake, if any of the neighbors had an electrical or plumbing problem, James was the go to handyman.  He usually had his electrical toolbox and his plumbing toolbox with him!  James showed great interest in Chris and Andrew’s latest business venture and helped out whenever possible.

James was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Dennis and wife Renee Fangmeier.

James is survived by his wife Mary, 2 sons, Chris and wife Traci, Andrew and fiancé, Amelia Stone all of Hebron, NE.   Step-son Dustin and wife Dannyris Powell of Las Vegas, NV; Step-son Jeremy Powell of Lincoln, NE and Step-daughter Jamie Powell Schweitzer and husband Austin of Milford, NE.  Father in-Law and Mother in-law, Dick & Lila Day of Hebron, NE, Brothers, Larry and wife Lori Fangmeier, twin brother John and wife Nancy Fangmeier of Hebron, NE and Sister Ruth (Fangmeier) and husband Wendel Hendrix of Lincoln, NE, sister in-law Nancy (Brad) Elting, brother in-laws Jerry Day of Hebron and Tom (Cathy) Day of Lincoln, NE.   James was blessed with 8 Grandchildren whom he adored:  Foster James Fangmeier of Hebron, NE; Kira, Karissa, Kenzi, and Braxton Schweitzer of Milford, NE; Jackson, Julian and Nayeli Powell of Las Vegas, NV, numerous nieces and nephews.