Jim was an executive and organizational leader for 45 years working first for the Chamber of Commerce then KS and NE trucking associations. He grew a national reputation for his expertise in lobbying on behalf of the trucking industry. During his career, he received numerous awards/recognitions. They included the Bob Halladay Award for Outstanding Contributions to State Trucking Associations, a certificate of appreciation for founding STA United and recognition of support of MO trucking Association, service and leadership recognition award as National Chairman of Trucking Association Executives Council, Craftsman Lodge #314 60-year pin, outstanding leadership award as President of National Federation of Retail Associations.
Jim was a member, deacon, and elder of Eastridge Presbyterian Church. He volunteered in many roles throughout the years at the church. He’s a former member of Hillcrest Country Club, Downtown Rotary Club #14, American Trucking Executive Council, Sesostris Temple of the Shrine, Lincoln Jester’s Court #118, and past president of the Nebraska Society Association Executives.
Family members include his wife of 70 years Dottie Preston; daughters Shari (Frank) Mitchell, Dallas, TX; Julie (Doug) Spader, Lincoln, NE; son Scott (Melissa) Preston, Zionsville, IN; grandchildren Jennifer, Megan, and Katie Mitchell, Dallas, TX; Tracy (Zane) Schulz, Lincoln, NE; and Marco Preston, Zionsville, IN; great-grandchildren Kylinn and Asher Schulz, Lincoln, NE; Hallie Mitchell, Dallas, TX; brother-in-law John Bennett Sr. and sister-in-law Eleanor Preston and many nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by his parents, grandson Adam, five brothers, and four sisters.
Jim was a lifelong Cornhusker football fan and had season tickets to the football games. The family requests that you wear your husker red to the memorial service.
Memorial Service at 11 am, February 12th at Eastridge Presbyterian Church, 1135 Eastridge Dr. Masks Required. Family visitation ahead of service.
Lunch reception following at Roper and Sons South Chapel, 3950 Hohensee Dr. (40th and Yankee Hill).
Memorials in lieu of flowers to: Immanuel Foundation, 1044 N. 115th St, Suite 500, Omaha, NE 68154, designated to the Landing Scholarship Fund or Eastridge Presbyterian Church.