James (Jim) Ross, 94, passed away March 12th, 2010 in Lincoln Ne. He was born to Margaret and Hugh Ross on July 6th, 1915, in Grosse Ile, Michigan. High School-Grosse Ile, College- BS in education from Eastern Michigan, MA in education from Wayne State in Detroit, MI. Married His wife Maurine of 69 years, in 1941.
He served 3 years in the Army during WWII as a Staff Sergeant in the 33rd Infantry Division, South Pacific Campaign (Dutch New Guinea and Luzon). Jim was awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Philippine Liberation Medal with a Bronze Battle Star, the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal with two Bronze Battle Stars, the WWII Victory Medal, and the Army Good Conduct Medal. He was also decorated with the Bronze Star for Gallantry.
Jim began his career teaching high school coaching football and basketball in Newaygo and Alpena, Michigan. He began his college football career on Bob Devaney’s staff as a defensive end and backfield coach at the University of Wyoming. He joined the University of Nebraska football staff in 1962. In 1968 he became the University of Nebraska head freshman football coach and later the Assistant Athletic Director of the Bob Devaney Sports Complex until retiring in 1985.
Honors Jim received throughout his career included the 1976 Nebraska Football Hall of Fame Special Merit Award, the Greater Omaha Convention and Visitors Bureau Service to Sports Award, and the U of N Boss of the Year. He was also inducted into the Alpena Sports Hall of Fame, and was the first assistant coach inducted into the Nebraska Hall of Fame in 2005.
Throughout the years Jim has especially enjoyed golfing, fishing, woodworking, and was a member of the Hillcrest Country Club of Lincoln.
Jim is survived by his wife Maurine of Lincoln; daughters and sons-in-law, Sharon and Maynard Smidt of North Platte, Peg and Larry Honeycutt, of Lincoln, Kathy and Jim Mischnick of Eagan, Minnesota; grandchildren, Kim and Jeff Ridder of Lincoln, Kristi and Sean Murphy of Omaha, Jeff and Taneca Smidt of Denver, CO, Jen and Kyle Utemark of Lincoln, Jamie and Jeff Semrad of Lincoln, Michael and Stephanie Mischnick of Apple Valley, Minnesota; and great-grandchildren, Cole, Maddison, Cody, Rachel, Preston, Payton, Griffin, Blake, and Andrew.
Jim’s wishes were cremation.
Private graveside burial
Celebration of Jim’s life is 1:00 pm Wednesday (3-17-10) First-Plymouth Congregational Church, 2000 ‘D’ Street. Rev. Barb Smisek officiating.
Memorials: The Monarch, 4201 South 78th, Lincoln, NE 68506, or UNL Foundation General Scholarship Fund.