James Ray Unger

James R. Unger, 64 of Grand Island went to his Heavenly home Sunday, May 29, 2016 at CHI Health-Good Samaritan in Kearney. Services will be 10 a.m. Friday at Peace Lutheran Church in Grand Island. Reverend Luke Biggs will officiate. Burial will be at Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be at the church from 5-7 p.m. Thursday. All Faiths Funeral Home is serving the family. James was born September 7, 1951 the son of Albert and Dorothy (Ventling) Unger. He grew up on a farm just outside of Bartley, Nebraska, along with his sister, Connie, and brother, Bob. He graduated from Bartley high school in 1969 and went on to attend North Platte Technical School following high school. Jim and his wife, Mary (Maier) Unger were joined in marriage on June 5, 1976; they would have celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary this year. Children born to this union were Brett James, Kylie Rae, and Brady James. Jim enjoyed sports of all kinds. He excelled in sports in high school and was a natural athlete. He was an avid golfer and was proud of having scored four holes in one. Jim also loved playing tennis; he was a frequent partner with the “tennis girls” as a substitute in league play and so enjoyed staying active and having a good time. His tennis and golf partners can also attest to his competitive nature. He had lots of fun while playing, but he loved to win, too. He was also an avid Husker fan and enjoyed several trips with good friends to bowl games and an annual away game football trip. One of Jim’s favorite annual sports activity was the November deer hunting trip with his son and daughter back to the Bartley area. They made many memories. Jim loved coaching his own children in baseball, soccer, and softball, and he was just beginning to enjoy the experience of watching his grandchildren learn team sports. In fact, Jim’s family was his big love in life. He was a wonderful father, grandfather, and role model for his children and grandchildren. One of his favorite activities when visiting his grown children was joining them in a round of golf. He also adored his grandchildren and relished the times he could play games with and read to them. Trips to Wisconsin and Omaha to visit the grandchildren were filled with lots of grandpa and grandchild times to build memories. In recent years Jim and Mary were able to spend a few weeks each winter in Arizona, enjoying the warm weather and the many golf courses. He loved when friends and family could come south to visit. Friends will remember his warm smile, great sense of humor, and love of a good laugh. Jim’s laugh was infectious. Jim was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith, and offered that same gift to his children as they grew up. Jim liked to sing, and those sitting near him in church each Sunday could hear the joyful notes as he sang the hymns. He loved the Lord and, while he knew he always fell short, Jim continued striving to live his life according to God’s plan. Jim is survived by his wife of 40 years, Mary (Maier) Unger of Grand Island, Nebraska; son Brett (Kristin) Unger of Omaha, Nebraska; daughter Kylie (Kevin) Jones of San Diego, California; son Brady (Adia) Unger of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, five grandchildren: Riley, Kadynce, and Emma Unger; Deqlan Unger, and Evan Callies; sister, Connie (Ray) Denton of Roca, Nebraska; and Brother, Robert (Cheri) Unger of Bartley, Nebraska. Jim was preceded in death by his father and mother. To honor Jim’s love for others, tissue donation was granted in order to help those in need. Memorials are suggested to the American Heart Association or Peace Lutheran Church.

James Ray Unger

September 7, 1951 - May 29, 2016

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James Ray Unger

September 7, 1951 - May 29, 2016

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

365 Days of Grief Support