James Howard League

June 7, 1922-July 20, 2011

STRATTON, Nebraska -- James Howard League was born on June 7, 1922, to Ray and Anna League in Haigler, Nebraska, and departed this life on Wednesday, July 20, 2011, at Sarah Ann Hester Memorial Home in Benkelman, Nebraska.

He grew up as one of 13 children, attended country grade school and Stratton High School until the 11th grade. He later received a certificate of graduation.

Howard then entered the service joining the U.S. Army, where he served as a mechanic. He was honorably discharged with class of Sergeant Tec Grade 3 on Nov. 7, 1948. He returned to Stratton where he worked as a mechanic and electrician at the local light plant, but his real calling was in farming and ranching. He grew wheat, milo and alfalfa. He also raised registered quarter horses and ran a Grade A dairy, specializing in Holsteins.

Howard married Irene Williamson on April 14, 1944, at Pilgrim Holiness Church in Stratton. To this union four children were born.

He was also a member of the Gideon's for more than 40 years, and a member of the Christian Union Church, where he served as a board member, Sunday school teacher and superintendent. He was additionally a member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Quarter Horse Association.

He was an avid Husker football fan. He also enjoyed reading magazines and the newspaper.

Howard is preceded in death by his wife, Irene; parents, Ray and Anna League; brothers, Verle League, Warren "Mike" League, Everett "Bud" League and Richard "Dick" League; and grandson, Nicholas League.

Howard is survived by his children, Jim (Bev) League of Smyma, Tennessee, Pam (Paul) Penner of Lincoln, Nebraska, Ginger (Rod) Stone of Anchorage, Alaska, and Coy (Kathy) League of Bethany, Oklahoma; brothers, Marion "Buck" League of California, Roy (Ila) League of Stratton, Ray League of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Robert (Marie) League of Porterville, California, Evan (Lucille) League of Denver, Colorado, and Ken League of Fort Worth, Texas; sisters, Eileen Freed of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Delores (Richard) Campbell of Boulder, Colorado.

In recognition of his commitment to the Gideon's, memorials may be given in the form of Gideon Bibles.

Visitation is Monday, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., at Christian Union Church in Stratton, preceding the service at 2 p.m. with Pastor Kevin Fink officiating.

Forch Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.