James "JR" Russell Batie Jr.

James Russell Batie, Jr. (J.R. to many), age 88, of Doniphan, NE, passed away on Sunday, January 7, 2024, at his home. Memorial service and Celebration of JR’s life will be Saturday, January 13th, at 11 a.m. at the Faith Christian Church, 405 Bismark Road, Grand Island, NE. Daniel Naranjo will officiate. There is a gathering of family and friends from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. All Faiths Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to one of the following: Nebraska Order of Eastern Star Therapy Dogs, the Shrine Hospital, or the Masonic Eastern Star Children’s Home in Fremont. Jim was born May 9, 1935, to Russell and Carrol (Stroud) Batie in Chadron, Nebraska. He grew up in Hay Springs, NE, graduating in 1953. He then attended UNL in Lincoln, enlisted and served in the Army, finishing his degree in Electrical Engineering after his time in the Army. While working in Columbus, Jim met Ruth Howard, and they were married January 23, 1965, in Columbus, NE, during a snowstorm. They lived in Denver, CO, North Platte, NE, Greeley, CO, Columbus, NE and Hastings, NE, finally moving to Doniphan, in 1978. Jim was 50+ year member of the Masonic Lodge and the Order of Eastern Star, joining in 1965. He is Past Master of Keystone Lodge #62 AF & AM and Past Worthy Patron of Andrew Chapter #41 and Phillips Chapter #204. He had the pleasure of serving in the East with his wife, and daughters Anne and Justine. He was employed by Consumers Public Power District and Platte Valley Public Power and Irrigation District, which merged to become the Nebraska Public Power District. After 26 years combined service, he retired in August of 1996. Jim enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, particularly his grandchildren and four-legged grandkids. He also enjoyed “family friendly” card games, solving the world problems at the morning coffee, cars, racing, driving the Shriners Go Carts, and Thursday’s Pie and Coffee group, along with doing word searches. He was an avid Nebraska Husker fan, having also been part of the UNL Track team as a long-distance runner, following in his father footsteps. Jim is survived by his wife of 58 years, Ruth; daughters, Anne Batie Kephart of Chadron, Carrie Batie McKinley (Jason) of Cheyenne, WY, and Justine Batie of Doniphan; and grandchildren, Ayla Kephart, Anna, Dominic and Elizabeth McKinley. He is also survived by his sister, Marilyn Kadlecek of Stratton, NE; brother-in-law, Paul Howard (WA); sisters-in-law, Mary DeMik (IL), Edith Perry (WI), and Lynette Howard (WA); along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Jim is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Edith Martinez; brothers-in-law, Charles Kadlecek, Joe Martinez, Lee Howard, Ray Howard, Sebern “Jr.” Howard, Duane Howard, Harold Howard and Richard Howard; and sister-in-law, Marcella Lenzen. Online remembrances may be left at www.giallfaiths.com.

James "JR" Russell Batie Jr.

May 9, 1935 - January 7, 2024

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

James "JR" Russell Batie Jr.

May 9, 1935 - January 7, 2024

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

365 Days of Grief Support