James “Jim” Dean Lauder, 75, passed away Wednesday, March 25, 2020 at Box Butte General Hospital, Alliance, Nebraska.
He was born on March 12, 1945 in Chadron, NE to Leo D. and Ruthella (Parrott) Lauder. Growing up he was an active member of the Boy Scouts, FFA and Chadron High School sports.
He served in the U.S. Army from December 1, 1965 to November 21, 1967.
Jim was a retired locomotive engineer with Union Pacific Railroad. He began his railroad career in Chadron, Nebraska with the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad. He would later transfer to the U.P. in Morrill, NE. He retired in 2007, and divided his time between Gering, Nebraska and Surprise, Arizona for several years. He made Surprise home until 2018, before returning to Alliance to be closer to all his siblings. He was a member of the Eagles Club and attended Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Alliance.
Jim enjoyed spending time with family and friends, telling stories and jokes. He enjoyed reminiscing about growing up, driving fast, and filling in for his twin when needed. He never turned down a chance to beat someone at a game of cribbage. Jim’s greatest gift was creating lasting relationships. Although he never had children of his own, he took great pride in being a part of his nieces and nephews’ activities and accomplishments.
Jim is survived by his twin brother, John and his wife Diann Lauder and their children Jennifer and Greg of Alliance, his sister, Janice Fodor of Littleton, CO and her children Anthony, Dominic, Christa and Karina, his brother, Roger Lauder of Alliance and his children Chad, Angela, Brett and Travis and his sister, Deb and her husband Larry Serres of Sidney, NE and their children Bryant, Brittany and Clint. He is also survived by 17 great-nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, his passing was preceded by his brother, Larry and his sister, Linda.
Visitation will be Tuesday, March 31, 2020 from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Bates-Gould Funeral Home in Alliance. Jim will be laid to rest at the Nebraska Veterans Cemetery at Alliance in a private family service due to the Corona Virus outbreak guidelines. We sincerely encourage each person to make their decision whether to attend the visitation based on the best interest of your health and that of your community. His family is planning a public memorial Mass at a later date.
Memorials may be given to Veterans State Cemetery at Alliance Foundation, P.O. Box 902, Alliance, NE 69301.
Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com.