James Marvin

JAMES FRANCIS MARVIN, 78 of Ogallala, passed away Saturday, April 6, 2019, at Great Plains Health in North Platte.

Jim was born September 4, 1940, at Barberton, Ohio to Verl and Evelyn (Bush) Marvin. The family relocated to Manchester, Ohio, where Jim graduated from high school in 1958. He went on to attend Kent State University, majoring in Industrial Arts. He also played the baritone horn in the marching band. Jim completed his education at Akron University to be closer to his sweetheart, now known as his wife.

It was in Manchester, where Jim met the love of his life, Judith Anne Thomas. While the two unwittingly attended several of the same youth events, it wasn't until a fateful game of baseball and a blind date that the two would share the spark that ultimately kindled their 56 years of marriage, which began on October 20, 1962. Jim and Judy were blessed with three daughters along the way, Renee, Jennifer, and Leslie. Jim and Judy first made their home in Barberton, Ohio where their first two daughters, Renee and Jennifer were born.

Jim was a bricklayer by trade, and his work would eventually take him to Colorado, where he spent a great deal of his career. The family relocated to Bailey, CO in 1970, where he built a house that was adorned with hand-selected Moss Rock that he and his girls fastidiously collected from the area. Soon after, they were blessed with their third daughter, Leslie.

Jim also enjoyed ranching and was a true cowboy. He later owned the 8 Mile Ranch which was located in South Park, CO where he enjoyed being outside, tending to his cattle, training his own horses and watching the large elk herds resting in the front yard. During this time, Jim continued his bricklaying, spending many years in Breckenridge, CO, helping build it into the town you see today. For a short time, his work would take him to Buena Vista, CO, and Port Orchard, WA before eventually moving to Ogallala in June of 2018 to be closer to family.

Jim was an attentive and accomplished bricklayer, with his "little monuments" baring the signature of a perfectionist. He was also a gifted musician and had an eclectic taste, which he shared with his family. Jim was an avid reader enjoying books about the local history of the places he has lived as well as poetry, taking a particular liking to the literary works of Robert Frost and Henry Longfellow.

Jim enjoyed fishing and crabbing. He even built himself a boat by hand, which he enjoyed taking out for water skiing. Jim had a love of animals, particularly horses, his Airedale terriers, and even made room in his heart for a solicitous pet rooster along the way.

As sure a perfectionist as Jim was, perhaps his most excellent task was the way he loved his family. His wife, children, and grandchildren were cherished unceasingly; and in a beautiful way, that love was measured back to him.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Eugene Paul; sister Deborah Lee.

Survivors include his wife, Judy of Ogallala; three daughters, Renee (Jeff) Meyer of Ogallala; Jennifer Marvin-Vialle of Paris, FR; Leslie (Chris) Vinderslev of Wessington Springs, SD; eight grandchildren, Jeremy (Cari) Meyer, Mia Angelo, Andrew (Becky) Meyer, Cameron Pruitt, Chloe Pruitt, Wyatt Stevens, Rylie Stevens, Brock Stevens; great-grandson, Sasha; and siblings, Albert Marvin and Anthony Marvin.

Memorials are suggested to Shriner's Hospital. Condolences can be shared at prairiehillsfuneralhome.com. A live stream of the service can be viewed at methodistchurchogallala.com.

Memorial services will be on Saturday, April 13, 2019, at 10:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Ogallala with Reverend Chuck Rager officiating. Jim's cremains will be scattered by his family at a later date.

Prairie Hills Funeral Home of Ogallala is in charge of arrangements.