James Lee Langhorst

James Lee “Jim” Langhorst, 72, passed away on Friday, May 24, 2024 at Holy Spirit Retirement Home, Sioux City, IA.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 31, 2024, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Jackson, NE with Father Mark Beran as Celebrant.  Burial will follow at St. John’s Catholic Cemetery in rural Jackson.  Visitation is Thursday, May 30, from 5-8 p.m. and will begin at the church after the Knights of Columbus Rosary and before the Vigil Service that begins at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue Friday at the Church 1 hour prior to Mass.  Mohr & Becker-Hunt Funeral Home is assisting the family.

 Jim was born on September 27, 1951, in West Point, NE.  The oldest son of Gerhard and Lavina (Pieper) Langhorst, he grew up in rural Dodge, NE. He attended Dodge Elementary School and St. John’s Seminary (now Mount Michael Benedictine High School), Elkhorn, NE where he graduated in 1969.   On June 28, 1986, Jim married Rita M. Duggan at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Jackson, NE. They began their life together in Omaha and moved to Jackson in 1991 where they made their home together with their three children, Shawn, Doug, and Anne.

Jim worked as a machinist supervisor for Valmont Industries, Valley, NE, and later Call Center IT support at MCI in Sergeant Bluff, IA.  

Jim was a member of the Knights of Columbus, and an active member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.   He was active in Cursillo/CEC (Christians Encounter Christ) for over 30 years, serving as Leadership Council President and in other capacities.   

Following recovery from his own medical health challenges, Jim volunteered his time at MercyOne Siouxland Medical Center for over 8 years as a welcome presence to patients and families as they navigated care. For this, he received the Heros of the Heartland award from the American Red Cross in 2017. 
 
 Jim enjoyed gardening, and most of all, his family and spending time with his children and grandchildren, following their sports and other activities. Jim will be remembered for his daily devotion to prayer and his strong faith.  In his later years, he was a prayer warrior for many who called and asked him to pray for their needs and petitions.

He is survived by his wife, Rita; Son, Shawn (Stephanie) of Sioux City, IA, and their children, Maressa, and Matthew. His son, Doug, of Colorado Springs, CO. His daughter, Anne (Alex) Kelly of Norfolk, VA and their daughter, Quinn. His brothers: Gary (Mary), Fremont, NE; Glenn (Mary), Wisner, NE; Kenny, Omaha, NE; sister, Kathy Miller, Grand Island, NE and many nephews, nieces, cousins, and countless friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, and brothers-in-law Jerry Duggan, Jack Duggan, Jim Mora and sister-in-law Joy Blanchard, and we know they are reunited in heaven.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Hospice of Siouxland; Dr. Ensz and the staff at MercyOne Family Medicine Clinic; Dr. Luqman and the staff at Renal Associates clinic; the staff at MercyOne Siouxland Medical Center; and Holy Spirit Retirement Home and their caring staff.  As Jim would often say, “Thank you for the gift of your time”.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim’s name can be made to Siouxland Catholic Radio or Spirit Catholic Radio in Omaha.