Jim was born March 6th, 1935 in Minot, ND to Bill and Maime (Saterlie) Searle. He and his family moved to Hastings, NE when he was 7 years old and grew up on Ringland Rd. He attended Longfellow Elementary School and graduated from Hastings High School in 1953. Jim served in the Marine Corps for 4 years from 1954 – 1957 and served in Korea. Upon his return, he enrolled in LeTourneau College in Longview, TX, and graduated in 1961 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. After his college graduation, Jim began working at Hastings Motor Truck and continued there as a co-owner until his retirement in 1999. Jim and Marilyn were married in 1969. Jim and Marilyn moved to Lincoln in 2000 and have enjoyed family, friends, traveling and townhouse living. Jim also had a love for the outdoors, especially hunting elk in Montana, and his labrador retrievers. He was especially fond of playing with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Jim is survived by his loving wife, Marilyn of 54 years; sons, Jeff Foote (Connie) of Omaha, Craig Foote (Lori) of Lincoln, daughter Heidi Stark of Collinsville, OK and many wonderful grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, brother and sister in-law Bill and Betty, brother Fred, daughter Syndee, and grandson Tony.
A celebration of Jim’s life will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, December 14th at Eastridge Presbyterian Church in Lincoln with Rev. Thomas Dummermuth officiating. A luncheon will follow at the church. Cremation, no visitation. There will be a private burial at the Omaha National Cemetery. Memorials may be given to Eastridge Presbyterian Church, Tabitha’s Journey House and Pheasants Forever.