D. James

Hastings resident, D. Burt James, 95, of The Villa, Good Samaritan Village, died Thursday, May 20, 2004 at Perkins Pavilion.

Memorial service will be Tuesday, May 25, 2004; 10:30 A.M. at First Presbyterian Church with Rev. Dr. William Nottage-Tacey officiating. Interment will be Tuesday, May 25, 2004; 3:30 P.M. at Sterling Cemetery, Sterling, Nebraska. No viewing. Mr. James was cremated.

Mr. James was born June 17, 1908 in Delphos, Kansas to Dr. D. B. & Lessie Linn (Van Zant) James. He moved with his family to Sterling, Nebraska, in 1922 where he graduated from high school. He attended the University of Nebraska in Lincoln for three years where he was a member of Theta Chi social fraternity, and Pershing Rifles, honorary ROTC society. He started his journalism career in 1929 with the Wichita Eagle, Wichita, Kansas and in 1931 was employed as a reporter by the Lincoln Journal, Lincoln, Nebraska. He served that newspaper as night city editor, night editor, and markets editor. In June of 1933, he married Charlotte M. Frerichs. In 1940, he was assigned as the Journal's State Capitol reporter and political writer, and he covered several gubernatorial and presidential election campaigns. He was credited with making a substantial contribution to the Journal's winning the Pulitzer Prize in 1949 for its sponsorship of the All-Star Primary election. He took over the position of managing editor of the Hastings Tribune, Hastings, Nebraska in May 1950 and was named editor in 1955. He retired in October 1973 after 23 years with the Hastings Tribune. During that period the Tribune won numerous awards and prizes for excellence in journalism. He served as president of the Nebraska Associated Press Managing Editors Association, and was an honorary member of Sigma Delta Chi, professional journalism society. In Hastings, he served as president of the Community Chest (United Way), was a member of Big Brothers, the YMCA, Chamber of Commerce, Elks Lodge, the Hastings Public Library Board of Trustees and the Adams County Historical Society. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Hastings-Adams County Centennial Commission and the University of Nebraska Centennial Commission. He was chairman of the city's first Zoning and Planning commission and served on the committee for a new high school. In 1972, he was named Boss of the Year by the Junior Chamber of Commerce.

Mr. James was preceded in death by his parents, wife Charlotte, and a sister, Josephine Moen.

Survivors include,
Son & Daughter-in-law: Richard D. & Darlene James - Orinda, CA
3 Grandchildren & Spouse: Cynthia & John McAfee - Kensington, CA
Timothy James - West Wardsboro, VT
Laura & Timothy James-Yeh - Califon, NJ
2 Great Grandchildren: Andrew McAfee - Kensington, CA
Emily McAfee - Kensington, CA
Sister: Kay Southard - Dallas, TX
Brother: Dr. Lynn A. James - Grand Junction, CO

Memorial may be given to Hastings Public Library or charity of Donor's choice

Book Signing: Fri. 5-21-04; 9am-9pm
Sat. 5-22-04; 9am-5pm
Mon. 5-24-04; 9am-5pm