Leslie James “Jim” Warner, 89, of North Platte, died peacefully at home on Thursday, March 14, 2019.

Jim was born on April 25, 1929 at Stockville, Nebraska to Jesse Otis and Marjorie Ruth (Wollam) Warner.  He grew up south of Hershey, Nebraska where he attended country school, then Sutherland High School in Sutherland, Nebraska, and farmed with his dad.  Jim enlisted in the U.S. Army and served a short time due to the death of his father.  Since he was needed at home to work and help the family, Jim was honorably discharged in 1947.

Jim worked on the family farm and rode bulls and saddle broncs at rodeos.  He loved horses and went on to have a 35 year career as a professional jockey.  He rode numerous races throughout Arizona and California and didn’t quit riding and rodeoing until retiring in 1985.

Jim married Gloria Padilla.  They had three children and later divorced.  On February 2, 2008, Jim married Georgena “Genie” Allen in Benson, Arizona.  They lived in Arizona, Sutherland and Arnold before moving to North Platte five years ago.

Along with his horses and rodeoing, Jim loved to dance and was quite good at it.  He was also a member of Otto V. Johnson Post #128 American Legion in Sutherland.

Jim is survived by his wife, Genie, of North Platte; children, Pam (Ron) Box of Quitman, Texas, Jesse Warner (Michael) of San Diego, California, Jolene (Paul) Ness of Phoenix, Arizona, and Anna Barrio of Phoenix, Arizona; and their mother, Gloria Warner of Phoenix, Arizona; step-kids Randy Allen of Arnold, Nebraska, Kevin (Kelly) Allen of North Platte, and Kim (Tad) Geiser of Kearney, Nebraska; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; his sister, Peggy (Don) Rotert of Sutherland; brother-in-law, Dean Valentine of Sutherland; as well as many other family members.

Jim was preceded in death by his father, Jesse Warner; mother and stepfather, Marjorie and Clarence Frels; brothers, Ron and Merrill “Bud” Warner; sisters, Patricia Fitch and Opal Barclay; and sister-in-law, Mary Warner.

Funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 19, 2019 at the First United Methodist Church in North Platte with Rev. Dr. Douglas A. Delp officiating.  Burial with Military Honors will follow in Fort McPherson National Cemetery.  Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore in North Platte, which is in charge of arrangements.  Condolences may be shared online at odeanchapel.com.