Christian Biography of James Stanley Spirk

James Stanley Spirk, the son of Stanley and Jacqueline (Schmitt) Spirk, was born on April 22, 1950 in McCook, Nebraska. He passed away on October 23, 2012 at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska at the age of 62 years, 6 months, 1 day.

Jim graduated from Trenton High School with the class of 1968. After high school, Jim attended Kearney State College (UNK) where he was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon. Jim earned his Bachelor degree in education in 1972. The following fall he began his illustrious teaching career in Nelson, Nebraska.

He was united in marriage to Jaynie Hansen on June 7, 1975 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Wakefield, Nebraska. This union was blessed with two sons, Peter and Benjamin.

Jim was an active member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, where he played the organ since 1972, and also taught CCD for many years. Jim's hobbies included playing the piano, golfing, and winning at fantasy football. He was a staunch supporter of the Nelson Tigers and later Lawrence/Nelson Raiders activities.

His family was his life and especially enjoyed his granddaughter Stella.

He is preceded in death by his parents Stanley and Jacqueline.

He will be dearly missed by his wife Jaynie of Nelson, Nebraska, sons Peter and wife Sammy of Minden, Nebraska and Ben of Lincoln, Nebraska; granddaughter Stella; mother-in-law Marilyn Hansen of Wakefield, Nebraska; brother-in-law Jack Hansen and wife Cande and sister-in-law Kristi Hansen all of Omaha, Nebraska; sister Mary Jane Spirk of Naples, Florida and brother John Spirk and wife Francine of Tucson, Arizona; other relatives, numerous friends, and many students both current and former.

Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, October 27, 2012 at 10:30 am from the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Lawrence, Nebraska with Rev. Brad Zitek and Rev. Loras Grell officiating. Acolyte was Allen Ostdiek, altar servers were Josh Himmelberg and Shane Ostdiek and the reader was Mary Jane Spirk.
Congregational hymns were "Be Not Afraid," "Precious Lord Take My Hand," "You Are Mine," and "On Eagle's Wings" and solo "Irish Blessings" sung by Sherri Buescher with Linda Ostdiek as the organist.
Rosary Service was held Friday 7:00 pm at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Nelson, Nebraska.
Pallbearers were Ron Fryda, Max Van Skiver, Tom Jensen, Tom Murray, Arnold Essink, Wayne Gumaer, Gary DeBoer and Tim Laughlin.
Interment was in the Nelson Cemetery at Nelson, Nebraska.
In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested in Jim's memory to: American Heart Association, the Nelson Public Library or Elk Creek Country Club
Condolences may be sent to Klawitter-Price Funeral Home, 446 South Main St., Nelson, Nebraska 68961 or in care of www.pricefuneralhomes.com.
Klawitter-Price Funeral Home of Nelson, Nebraska was in charge of the arrangements.