He was a devoted husband, father and brother. James was born August 28, 1954, in Pawnee City, NE, to Eugene and Leola (Meyer) Bartels. He was a 1973 graduate of Elk Creek Public School and received his associate degree in engineering in 1975 from SCC-Milford. On April 18, 1998, he was united in marriage to Rhonda Leaf, they were happily blessed with a daughter, Mindy, during their 24 years of marriage.
James worked at Lincoln Telephone & Telegraph for 32 years, retiring in 2008. After retirement, he enjoyed watching his favorite shows while relaxing in his recliner. Throughout his life James enjoyed working on the farm, wheelchair tennis, playing cards, deer hunting and everything John Deere.
He is survived by his loving wife, Rhonda; daughter Mindy; sister Barbara (Eric) Spence of Martell; brothers Steven (Lisa) Bartels of Sterling, Stanley (Jody) Bartels of Roca; sister-in-law Jeanette Bartels of Palmyra; aunts Bernice (Robert) Rasa of Lexington, MO, Elizabeth (Robert) Longan of Stigler, OK; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
James was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Leola (Meyer) Bartels and brother David Bartels.
A funeral service will be held 11:00 AM, Friday, March 24, 2023, at Christ Lincoln Lutheran Church, 4325 Sumner St, Lincoln, NE 68506. Interment will be in the St. Peter’s Lutheran Cemetery, Elk Creek, NE at 3:30 PM.
A visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 PM with family present, Thursday, March 23. 2023, at Roper and Sons South Chapel, 3950 Hohensee Dr, Lincoln, NE 68516.
Memorials to the family for future designation.