Jim proudly served his country in the National Guard before building a career of his own in the then robust insurance industry. Upon graduation from the University of Nebraska business college in 1969, Jim took a position in the home office at Woodmen insurance. He grew to become a regional manager and in 1982, decided his strengths were best suited in the pursuit of sales. He formed his own insurance agency at that time Daubert and Butler Associates, and subsequently purchased a third-party administration business, First Concord Benefits Group. Sales proved to be the perfect fit for him, and he was a natural leader. Exacting, in his business acumen, he achieved the highest award possible by becoming a Lifetime member of the Million Dollar Round Table. He maintained that involvement in one’s chosen field was critical to success and held numerous national sales achievements and quality awards. He served as the past president of Lincoln Chapter of Chartered Life Underwriters, past president of the State Health Underwriters Association and was an active member of the Life Underwriters and National Association of Health Underwriters.
Jim had some strong personality traits that served him so well over his lifetime. Naturally curious and overwhelmingly positive there was very little that he could not accomplish. Combined with his quick-witted humor and timing he was a person people were drawn to easily, which was the true underpinning of his success.
He loved politics, all sports, fly fishing, yellow labs, food, and the art of grilling. He possessed 3 different grills on his deck, a smoker, and a red tailgate grill taken to Stadium Drive on game days. He once said he never met a grill that he did not like. His last cooking experience with the family was on Saturday, September 5th, where he rallied enough strength to prepare baby back ribs and brisket to have one final tailgate. A devoted Husker fan and an equally devoted supporter of women’s basketball, Jim’s love for his teams was infectious. An inaugural member of the Champions Club, no gathering was complete without a Coors Banquet in hand, a plate of fried chicken, a Misty’s burger and a good supply of red solo cups.
Those who knew Jim best knew he was happiest outdoors or with family. He thrived standing knee-deep in the river, fishing, and could just as often be found off-roading in his Jeep or planning the next family trip. It was hard to tell which he loved more, the fishing or the gear that accompanied it, but he threw his rod into many a stream. There was but one true happy place for him in terms of fishing and regeneration that drew him back year after year and that was Creede Colorado. A destination he first saw with his parents and grandparents when they made their annual trek in August to fish. It was the place where he had his most cherished memories and remained a part of him to the end. It is the place to which he will now return.
Above all, Jim loved his family deeply. His greatest joy came from spending time with the people he loved, and he had a special way of making everyone around him feel important, welcomed and cared for. Whether through his sense of kindness, his sense of humor or simply taking time to connect, Jim made people feel special. His love for his family and the relationships he built throughout his life will be an enduring part of his legacy.
Jim is survived by his wife of 31 years, Sherri; daughters, Sara Jo Daubert (Brad Ruddell) and Jill (Michael) Johnson; grandchildren, Molly Wright, Cooper Wright, Sam Johnson, and Sophie Johnson; brother, John Daubert (Alexandria “Randy”); sister, Carolyn Beltzer; along with numerous nieces and nephews and longtime business colleague and friend of 50 years, Cindy Ohnoutka. He is preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law, James Beltzer.
A memorial service will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at Roper and Sons South Chapel (3950 Hohensee Dr, Lincoln, NE 68516).
A reception honoring Jim will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. following the service.
Memorials are designated to the donor’s choice.