James Lankford

James Arvil Lankford

Dec. 16, 1939 - Sept. 4, 2024

McCOOK, Neb. - James Arvil Lankford was born on Dec. 16, 1939 to Noel Franklin and Vera Mae (Shrum) Lankford in Bennington, Okla. Jim graduated high school in 1958 from Clovis Union High School in Clovis, Calif.

Shortly after graduating from high school, James briefly attended Maryland University before enlisting in the United States Army. He proudly served his country for just over seven years, spending time stationed in Germany as a Military Police Officer. Following his discharge from the Army, Jim returned to California where he worked as a bartender until later securing a career as a scaffolding rigger and foreman. Later in life, he relocated to McCook, Neb. where he finished his employment years with J.M. Stevens Painting.

Jim enjoyed spending time in the outdoors. He had a passion for fishing and won multiple trophies for biggest catch which then led him to spend time as a fishing guide to visitors from surrounding areas. He also loved camping and pheasant hunting. As a younger man he enjoyed dancing and bowling. His love for traveling took him all over the country where he made friends with anyone he met because of his outgoing personality. He also enjoyed watching and following local high school sports but especially Nebraska volleyball and football. He found enjoyment watching old western movies and his favorite western series, Gunsmoke.

James Lankford passed away early Wednesday morning, Sept. 4, 2024 at CHI Health St. Francis in Grand Island, Neb. surrounded by family. He was 84 years old.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Willma Hudson and husband, Jerry; brother, Floyd Lankford and wife, Jackie; brother-in-law, Kenneth Bradley; and nieces, Sherry Fiest, Lori Delsie and Pamela Conway.

Jim is survived by his children, Larry (Nikki) Lankford of Merlin, Ore., Raegan Hegarty of Westminster, Colo. and Stacie Lankford of Omaha, Neb.; grandchildren: Jessica Fuentez of Westminster, Daniel Rheome of Kearney, Neb., Michael McCollom of Medford, Ore., Anthony McCollom of Medford and Tre Jones of Medford; eight great-grandchildren; sister, Betty Bradley of McCook; nephew, Keith (Ruth) Bradley; nieces, Brenda (Doug) Dame, Debra Delsie and Melanie Edwards; as well as three fur grandkids and many friends.

Visitation was be held on Sunday, Sep. 8, 2024 from 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. at Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel in McCook.

Funeral services were held at 2:30 p.m. on Monday afternoon, Sept. 9, 2024 at Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel in McCook with Mike Roth providing words of comfort. Burial with Military Honors in Memorial Park Cemetery of McCook followed the services.

Memorials are suggested to the family of James Lankford. Online condolences may be left at herrmannfh.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel of McCook.