James Kevin Sis

Oct. 5, 1960-March 19, 2011

BENKELMAN, Nebraska -- James Kevin Sis, 50, died Saturday, March 19, 2011, at his home in Benkelman.

He was born Oct. 5, 1960, in Benkelman to James Dean and Elizabeth A. (Keim) Sis. He attended Dist. 52 country school before graduating from Benkelman High School in 1978.

In 1981, he joined the U.S. Air Force and also served his country in the Air Force Reserve and Air Force Guard, before retiring from the Iowa Air National Guard, 132d Fighter Wing. He received his honorable discharge and retired as a TSGT in February of 2009. He served in Idaho, Korea, Turkey, Florida, Oklahoma City, and finally Des Moines, Iowa. He also served in Operation Enduring Freedom in Al Udeid AB, Qatar, and Operation Iraqi Freedom in Balad AB, Iraq.

After his retirement, he returned to the Benkelman area where he was employed by the Benkelman golf course.

He was preceded in death by his father, James D. Sis; one brother, Steven L. Sis; his grandparents, James J. and Georgia Sis and Leonard and Iva Keim; and his nephew, Cody Sis.

Survivors include his mother, Elizabeth A. Sis of Benkelman; one son, Jared Stroberg; four sisters, Vicki Hogg and husband, Barry of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Kristine Van Winkle and husband, Scott of Chappell, Nebraska, Cindy Einspahr and husband, Rick of Wauneta, Nebraska, and Stephanie Williams and husband, Randy of Benkelman; and one brother, Shane Sis and wife, Nickole of Benkelman.

Mass of Christian Burial is Saturday, 10 a.m. MDT at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Benkelman, with the Rev. Thomas Wiedel officiating. Inurnment with military honors will follow services at the Benkelman Cemetery.

Rosary services are Saturday, 9 a.m. MDT, at the church.

There is no visitation or viewing.

Memorials may be given in his name.

Forch Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.