James Ruberson

Hastings resident, James "Jim" Richard Ruberson, 82, died Tuesday, October 4, 2011 at Mary Lanning Memorial HealthCare, Hastings, Nebraska.

Services will be Friday, October 7, 2011; 10:00 A.M. at Hastings City Auditorium, Hastings, with Bishop Bryan Woodbury officiating. Burial with military rites will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Franklin. There will be no viewing; book signing will be Wednesday, October 5, 2011; 9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M., and Thursday, October 6, 2011; 9:00 A.M. - 9:00 P.M. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to ARC of Adams-Clay, 5480 S. Marian Road, Hastings, Nebraska 68901 or Hastings Police Foundation, 317 South Burlington Avenue, Hastings, Nebraska 68901. Condolences may be sent to www.lbvfh.com. Livingston-Butler-Volland Funeral Home & Cremation Center is in charge of arrangements.

Jim was born October 7, 1928 in Phillipsburg, Kansas to Calvin Martin & Gwida Gerene (Pfost) Ruberson. Jim served with the U.S. Navy from 1947-1949. Jim also served in the Nebraska National Guard for 18 years, retiring as a First Sergeant. He married Joyce Wallace on December 5, 1948 in San Francisco, California on Treasure Island. Jim's law enforcement career started in Kansas and then took him to California where he served for almost 14 years before moving to Nebraska. He worked as the Crete Chief of Police from 1974-1977; Hastings Chief of Police from 1977-1994; and Adams County Sheriff's Department from 1994 until July 4, 2011. Jim was a very active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and held numerous leadership positions in the church. He was the consummate servant-disciple, walking firmly in the Savior's path while lifting and encouraging his fellow pilgrims. He embraced the eternal without losing sight of the here and now. He served in leadership positions in numerous civic and fraternal organizations in Hastings. Jim served on the Hastings City Council First Ward from 1994 until his death. He founded the Police Chiefs Association of Nebraska and helped develop its law enforcement accreditation programs. In 1998, Jim was inducted into the Nebraska Law Enforcement Hall of Fame. He is an Admiral with The Great Navy of the State of Nebraska. Jim lived a life of committed service to his family, church, and community.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; infant brother, Kenneth Ruberson; and sister, Norma "Skeet" Kennedy.

Survivors include:
Wife: Joyce Ruberson - Hastings, NE

Daughters & Sons-in-law: Terry & Michael Poor - Littleton, CO
Kay & Jim Tonkinson - North Platte, NE
Sue & Dave Deepe - Shickley, NE
Amy Ruberson - Kearney, NE

Sons & Daughters-in-law: John & Mary Lu Ruberson - Tifton, GA
Mark & Kanoe Ruberson - Flower Mound, TX


Grandchildren & Spouses: Denise Wittsell
Steven & Kristin Poor
John & Sarah Poor
Seth & Carrie Poor
Eric & Kristina Ruberson
Nicholas & Chantel Tonkinson
Richard Mankhey
Benjamin & Ashley Mankhey
Dillon Deepe
Wyatt Deepe
Joshua & Brigid Ruberson
Christina & Aaron Stander
Matthew & Alexa Ruberson
Jonathan Ruberson
Ka'imiloa Ruberson

Great-Grandchildren: Sam Wittsell
Megan Wittsell
Rose Wittsell
Eilidh Poor
Liam Poor
James Poor
Nolan Poor
Matthew Poor
Emily Poor
Calvin Poor
Micah Poor
Bella Grace Poor
Parker Tonkinson
Caleb Tonkinson
Blake Tonkinson
Gabe Tonkinson
Brooke Ruberson
Marcus Ruberson
Brandon Beaulieu
Max Beaulieu
Kinsley Stuart
Cierra Stuart
Aleigha Mankhey
Kathryn Ruberson
Anna Ruberson
Evelynn Ruberson
Josiah Ruberson

Sisters & Brother-in-law: Bonnie & Ernie Monie - Franklin, NE
Betty Bohrer - Hastings, NE