James "Jim" Matzner

James “Jim” A. Matzner, age 60 of McCool Junction, NE, died Friday, April 26, 2019 at Gresham, NE. He was born November 19, 1958 to Donald L. and Peggy J. (Dearing) Matzner at York.  On April 1, 1983, Jim was united in marriage to Kathryn Mertens in Colorado Springs, CO. To this union four children were born.

Jim was currently serving as a Captain on the York Fire Department and was a member of the International Association of Fire Firefighters and Union #1648. He was also a member of the McCool Junction Volunteer Fire Department as well. Jim also farmed his family’s land at Gresham, NE and operated the family car business York Motor Company for many years.

He enjoyed classic cars, tractor pulls, and restoring old tractors. Jim had previously served as co-chair for the Cattlemen’s Ball of Nebraska. He was a youth baseball coach when his kids were growing up. Jim loved spending time with his family and always made time and enjoyed helping others. Most recently, Jim loved spending time at his vacation home in Deadwood, S.D., with Kathy and their friends.

He is survived by his wife Kathy of McCool Junction; children: Jake Matzner of McCool Junction, Adam (Kira) Matzner of Lincoln, NE, Jill (Shane) Myers of Lincoln, and Matt Matzner of Lincoln; grandchildren: Nathan and Harrison Matzner of Lincoln; his mother Peggy Matzner of Columbus, NE; his sisters Janet Matzner of Gresham, NE, Julie (Chad) Hoffman of York, and Jean Anne Matzner of York. He is also survived by his brothers-in-law Larry (Becki) Mertens of York and Ken (Sally) Mertens of Lincoln; father-in-law Lawrence (Georgialee) Mertens of Lincoln; mother-in-law Linda (Gary) Loge of McCool Junction; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, brother Jerry, sister JoAnne, and nephews Peyton and Parker Hoffman.

Funeral services are scheduled for 10:00 AM, Wednesday, May 1, 2019 at the York City Auditorium in York with the Reverend Matthew Mau officiating. Burial will follow in the McCool Cemetery, north of McCool Junction, NE. Visitation will be held from 1pm-8pm on Monday and then from 9am-4pm on Tuesday at the mortuary. The family will greet friends on Tuesday evening from 6pm-7:30pm at the York City Auditorium. In lieu of plants and flowers, memorials may be directed to the family for later designation.

Condolences may be emailed to Metz Mortuary Messages will be given to the family.