James L. “Spud” Johansen, age 65, passed away September 22nd, 2014 at Great Plains Health. He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, August 29th, 2014. He was born March 12, 1949 in Grand Island, NE to Harvey and Ruth (Andersen) Johansen.
Spud grew up in Grand Island and graduated from Grand Island Senior in 1967. He hired out with the Union Pacific railroad as a brakeman in July of 1969. He moved to North Platte in 1972. He married Betty Jares on August 31, 1974. Spud was an avid golfer/sports fan and loved travelling to see his grandchildren. He also loved reading the paper and doing Sudoku. He was a member of the UTU, Eagles, and Moose lodge. Spud was also heavily involved with the Local Union #286 and was for many years a board of trustees and retired as president. After 43 years with the Union Pacific Railroad, he retired May 1st, 2013.
He is survived by his wife Betty of 40 years, two sons, Josh Johansen of Portland, Oregon, Jay (Amanda) Johansen of Savannah, GA, his mother Ruth of Grand Island, two brothers, Ron Johansen of Grand Island, Bob (Melody) of Denver, Colorado, one sister Jan(Steve) Stoltenberg of Omaha, and grandchildren Tyler, Maiya, Gabby, Owen and soon to be Evan James, sisters-in-law Mary (Norb)Mattke of Louisville, KY, Doris(Bill) Armagost of Lexington, NE and mother-in-law Millie Jares, Louisville, KY as well as numerous nieces and nephews, other family and many friends.
He is preceded in death by his father, Harvey, sister-in-law Pam Johansen and father-in-law Edward Jares.
A celebration of Spud’s life will be at 1:00 PM Thursday, September 25, 2014 at Carpenter Memorial Chapel. Per Spud’s request casual attire. Those wishing to sign the memorial book may do so Wednesday from 9 to 5. In Lieu of flowers a memorial has been established in his memory. Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com. Carpenter Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.