Jim Kunz Obituary

James Edward Kunz, 67, of Stuart, Nebraska, passed away on October 11 surrounded by his loved ones.

Jim was born May 9, 1958, in Atkinson, Nebraska to Frederick and Raydean (Slaymaker) Kunz. The third of four children, Jim was raised on the family farm west of Stuart, where he grew to love the outdoors and farm life. Jim would recall "back in the day" how he spent summers putting up hay the "old fashioned way" - with a slide stacker! He attended a one-room country school just down the road from the home where he would eventually raise his own family and live out his life.

Jim graduated from Stuart High School in 1976, where he was a standout athlete in both football and track. After graduation, he entered the workforce and continued doing what he loved most-working the land. Whether it was haying, planting beans and corn or running equipment, Jim found joy and purpose in hard work. Known for calling himself a "jack of all trades and master of none," those who knew him best would say otherwise-there was little Jim couldn't fix, build or figure out. He had a special love for the land, livestock and the way of life that came with it. In his later years, he shared that love through a sheep operation with his youngest son, Alex.

In May of 1982, Jim married his love, Kate Murphy. Together, they built a beautiful life and raised four children-Sarah, Ross, Nickolas, and Alex. Jim's children were truly his pride and joy. He was their biggest supporter, always cheering them on, hauling football gear, driving FFA kids to Lincoln or simply sitting proudly in the stands. His love for his children was immense, but it was his grandchildren who completely captured his heart.

To them, he was "Papa Jim"-the one ready for gator rides, checking sheep, water balloon fights and endless games. He especially loved making homemade ice cream to share with them on the warmer days. His family, especially the grandchildren always knew they could find him at the quarter claw machine and would be the recipient of the prize! Jim also cherished time spent with his sons and son-in-law Jason-where a good blue rock shooting competition was usually found. Those were moments he deeply treasured.

Jim was an active member of the Knights of Columbus and enjoyed helping with fish fry suppers. It also wouldn't have been a shock to find Jim out on the golf course with Kate or his children and grandchildren. Jim also loved Sunday nights at the Stuart racetrack and celebrating the 4th of July in his hometown.

A devoted fan of Husker football and Cubs baseball, Jim also took great pride in his John Deere tractor collection, but that wasn't his only collection. Anyone who knew Jim knew he always had a stash of snacks close by-Milky Ways and peppermints were his go-to favorites.

Jim is survived by his wife of 42 years, Kate; children Sarah and Jason Granger, Ross and Brittany Kunz, Nickolas and Amber Kunz, and Alex Kunz; and grandchildren Reid, Maddyn, Abel, Vivian and Stella. He is also survived by his siblings Jean and Rich McIntosh, Tess Frederick, and Scott and Lori Kunz. He was preceded in death by his grandson, Hal Granger; his parents, Frederick and Raydean Kunz; father-in-law, Henry Murphy; brother-in-law, Ron Frederick.

Memorial tributes can be directed to: Stuart Fire Department or Sandhills Cancer Fund in Jim's Memory.