James Wallace West, 47, of Hershey, NE, died at his home on Saturday, August 15, 2015.
Jim was born September 15, 1967, to Willard Wesley and Yvonne Ruth Wright West in Des Moines, IA. He grew up in the Midwest before the family moved to Hershey in 1981. He graduated from Hershey High School in 1986 then attended Doane College on a football scholarship.
After college Jim joined the U.S. Marines, serving from 1991 to 1995. Following his discharge he returned to Hershey where he has resided ever since. Jim worked as an auto glass technician for 20 years, beginning with Auto Glass and then All Star Auto in North Platte where he was currently employed.
On September 19, 1998, Jim married Clyta Kemp and to this union their son, Dalton, was born. Jim and Clyta later divorced. Jim was a member of Paul R. Martin Post #279 American Legion, V.F.W. Post #1504 and Eagles Aries #2839. He loved to hunt, fish, shoot pool and be with his family and friends.
He is survived by his mother, Yvonne West, and son, Dalton West, both of Hershey; stepsons, Travis (Carolyn) Baker and Glen Baker, of North Platte and Kory Baker (special friend, Kelsey Terry), of Sutherland, NE; a sister, Janet B. (Ken) Hoban, of Grand Island, NE; four step grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Jakeb and Alyssa Baker and Emberleigh Lehman; two nieces, Beth (Taylor) Hoffmann, of Doniphan, NE, and Sarah Hoban, of Grand Island; and his aunts, uncles and other family.
Jim was preceded in death by his infant son, Jacob Kramer; and his father, Willard.
Cremation was chosen. Memorial Service will be 10 a.m. Thursday, August 20, 2015, at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore with Chaplain Gary Smith officiating. Inurnment with military honors will follow in Fort McPherson National Cemetery.
The memorial book may be signed at odeanchapel.com or from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore. In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established at Hershey State Bank for his son, Dalton West. Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.