James “Jim” E. Hoagland

James “Jim” E. Hoagland

February 11, 1952 – February 25, 2023

VISITATION: Wednesday, March 1^st, from 5-7pm at the West Center Chapel, and again on Thursday, March 2^nd, from 11am-1pm at the West Center Chapel, with a luncheon to follow at Paddy McGown’s Pub at 4503 Center Street.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Make A Wish Foundation.

James “Jim” Edward Hoagland Sr., age 71, of Omaha, Nebraska, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 25, 2023.

Jim was born the younger of two boys to William and Maxine Hoagland in Omaha, Nebraska, on February 11, 1952. He began his career at Kellogg’s in 1976. His most memorable job was the “Strawberry Dumper” for Special K Cereal. He had a passion for helping people and enjoyed working closely with an abundance of close friends. Jim retired in 2010 after 34 years of employment. He continued to stay connected with other retirees and attended many of the retirement functions.

As a young child, Jim attended Dundee Elementary, Lewis & Clark Middle School, and graduated from Omaha Central High School in 1970. He met the love of his life, Carolyn (Carrie) Landrie, in 1970 at Hilltop House Restaurant, where they were both employed. They married on September 3, 1977, at St. Thomas More, surrounded by friends and family. In 1981, Jim and Carrie had their first son, James Edward (Jim Ed). Four years later, they welcomed their second son, Joseph Warren (Joe).  Jim worked hard to make sure they were taken care of and felt loved every day.

Jim wore many hats, including husband, dad, brother, son, grandpa, friend, and, perhaps, his most well-known title, Big Jim. Many referred to him as a loveable teddy bear. One of his well-known hobbies began with tractor pulling in 1986 with his brother Bill. The two brothers loved feeling the horsepower while they were competing in competitions. Jim and Bill enjoyed working on tractors and meeting many new lifelong friends along the way. Jim loved going and watching drag racing, as well. Another hobby was trap shooting, and he passed his passion on to Jim Ed and Joe. They attended the Papillion Gun Club Thanksgiving and Christmas shoots yearly. Jim also enjoyed going to Jim Ed and Joe’s activities, including soccer, basketball, baseball, or helping build a Pinewood Derby Car.

He always knew the best restaurants around town and where to find the coldest beer. He took family members to his favorite restaurants to celebrate birthdays and special occasions.  Jim was always the first to wish you a Happy Birthday and made you feel special.

Jim found his love for adventure in Colorado with the family cabin by the Big Thompson River. The family would spend a month every summer at the cabin. He enjoyed the beauty and peaceful surroundings admiring the waterfall and listening to the sounds of nature. While in Colorado, one of his favorite activities was to sit in his lounge chair outside, drinking a Busch Light and throwing the cans into the trash can, trying to make a basket. Every Spring and Fall, close friends; Chris, Keith, Shorty, Mark, and many others would help Jim and Bill open and close the cabin. While in Colorado, they had many adventures, and some are still unknown to this day. Some of his most fond memories were spending time in Colorado with his family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Maxine and William; wife, Carrie; and many beloved family and friends.

He is survived by sons Jim Ed (Mandy) and Joe (Katie); his brother Bill (Diana); and 7 grandchildren: Raegan, Dylan, Alyssa, Hunter, Bryson, Easton, and Brooklyn.