LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A longtime Nebraska newspaper publisher and Lincoln philanthropist has died.

James Seacrest was 78. His nephew, Eric Seacrest, says he died on Thursday.

James Seacrest was active in the newspaper industry for 40 years, and served as president and chairman of Western Nebraska Publishing Co. in North Platte from 1968 to 2000. The company published daily, weekly and shopper newspapers in western Nebraska.

James Seacrest and his wife Rhonda were awarded the Lincoln Community Foundation’s Charity Award two years ago for their participation in several Lincoln nonprofit organizations, fundraising efforts and donations to arts and education programs.

In North Platte, he helped raise $1.3 million as vice chairman of the Great Plains Regional Medical Center expansion campaign. He also served on the University of Nebraska Foundation’s board of directors.