He grew up in Albion, NE and attended Albion High School until the age of 16 when he moved to Lincoln, NE to begin working for Dobson Bros Construction, where he continued to work as a superintendent for 54 years.
He met his wife, Donna Donscheski (Johnson) in 1966 while cruising the streets of Albion in his 1965 GTO and were married 9 months later, on January 28th, 1967 and have now been married just shy of 60 years. They welcomed their daughter, Audrey, to the family on October 31st, 1967 and three years later on the exact same day, their family was completed with a son, Troy, on October 31st, 1970. Jim was always there for his kids, from when they were little through their adulthood. He was their hero.
Jim was the true definition of a family man and worked tirelessly at the job that he loved for so many years to support and provide for his family. He was blessed with four beautiful grandchildren, who he loved so much and always showed it by being a constant presence in their lives. They have loved every minute of their time with their Grandpa.
Jim & Donna spent many years traveling the country on a Goldwing motorcycle with a group of friends. They even rode all the way to Canada for an extended vacation & endured just about every element of nature that was possible. His children also loved to hop on the back of the bike with their Dad and take both local and out of state rides with him.
If it was up to Jim, he would have never retired. When it was forced upon him, his family worried what he would do with all of his free time, as he had a hard time sitting still. But, just in time was the addition of six great grandchildren, who immediately stole his heart and kept him extremely busy, just the way he liked it. They were so lucky to have their Great Grandpa for so long and they had so much fun together. The great grandkids, along with his love of golf and doing any outdoor project that he could possibly think of, he quickly learned to enjoy his retirement and the time with his family. He spent much of his time on the patio watching tv, especially Husker Football and Volleyball games.
Clear up until about six weeks before his passing, he could run circles around most 60 year olds, even with his body full of cancer.
He was a man who is as good as they come and he will be deeply by missed by all who love him.
Jim is survived by his wife, Donna Donscheski (Johnson); Daughter, Audrey Gossard (Donscheski); his Son, Troy (Andrea) Donscheski; Bonus Daughter, Carisa (Gary) Stokes; Granddaughters, Shelby (Taylor) Allgood and Llani (Ryan) Mallen; Grandsons, Sheen (Ashley) Gossard and Kyle (Sheila) Rees-Donscheski; Bonus Grandchildren, Talan, Shaelynn and Mason; Great Grandchildren, Jaylan, Kamden, Jada, Enolla, Jerzy, Maverick, Harmony and Kenzie; Sister, Denise Ney (Donscheski) and Sister in law, Patricia Donscheski; Many Nieces and Nephews and Great Nieces and Nephews; Close friend and neighbor, Joyce Rezac.
Jim was preceded in death by his Father, Emil Donscheski; Mother, Pauline (Austin) Donscheski; Brothers, Don (Evelyn) Donscheski and Ted (Deb) Donscheski; Sister, Joyce Donscheski and infant Sister, Nancy Donscheski.
A Funeral Service will be held at St. Luke United Methodist Church, 1621 Superior St. Lincoln, NE on Friday, October 9th, 2026. Visitation: 9-11am, Service: 11am. There will be a luncheon at the church immediately following the service. Following the luncheon, burial will take place at Fairview Cemetery, 8400 Adams St.
Please send flowers to Roper & Sons Funeral Home, 4300 O St. Lincoln, Ne.
Memorials are to be sent to the family for future designation.