James Ramirez, Ph.D
October 17, 1933 – January 6, 2025
Jim Ramirez passed away peacefully on Monday, January 6, 2025, at the Josie Harper Hospice House in Omaha, at the age of 91. He spent his life in Omaha, raising his family, serving his community, and being a champion of the underdog.
Jim was the son of immigrant parents and grew up in south Omaha. He graduated from Omaha South High School. Jim began his education while working in the south Omaha packing plants. He took night classes, earning a Bachelor’s degree at what was then called Omaha University, and would later become the University of Nebraska-Omaha. He went on to earn a Master’s degree at the University of Nebraska-Omaha and was among the first Latinos to earn a PhD from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
His career included Boys Club of America Unit Director; University of Nebraska-Omaha Instructor and Counselor; and Omaha Public Schools Human/Community Relations Specialist.
As a result of his passion for the Latino community, Dr. Ramirez received many honors and awards, including Nebraska Hispanic Man of the Year. He dedicated his life advocating for an equal education for minority students. Jim was always involved in sports, whether playing, coaching, officiating or watching sports on TV. He was an avid skier on the Colorado ski slopes, a shortstop on a championship fast-pitch softball team, he officiated numerous high school and college sporting events; and was a diehard, Nebraska Cornhusker fan and a Denver Bronco fan.
Jim had a special place in his heart for animals, especially stray cats. Many a homeless kitty found their way into his home and into his heart.
Jim Ramirez is survived by Karen Anderson, his life partner of over 40 years; daughter, Rene, (Chris) Campos; son, Jimmy (Mary Jo) Ramirez, Jr.; brother, Michael (Sandy) Ramirez; sister, Mary Helen Cuevas; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Michael and Josephine Ramirez; sister, Marcella Hedlund; daughter, Nikki Meyer.
Following a private family inurnment service, Jim’s final resting place will be Resurrection Cemetery in Omaha.
MEMORIAL SERVICE: Friday, January 17, 2025, at 10:30am at the West Center Chapel, with VISITATION from 9:30am. Family Inurnment.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Nebraska Humane Society.
To view a live broadcast of the Memorial Service, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “Live Cast” button at the top of the home page.
31 Comments
Our deepest condolences to La Familia y Las Amistades y All of South Omaha, De. Ramirez was an excellent mentor and coach and Liaison for all Hispanics y Los Mexicanos May He Rest in Peace, QUE EN PAZ SE DESCANSE ESTIMADO DR. Jim Ramirez 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
My heartfelt condolences for the Ramirez clan. Jim was a great man. Years ago when Jim was working at OPS, he called to alert me to the deportation of South High students and their brothers. Jim and I and other community leaders, organized to bring those boys back from Mexico where the INS had dumped them! One example of who Jim was to the community. A guardian, a counselor, a teacher, and a friend. Vaya con Dios mi amigo.
Sending my sympathy and love to you, Karen! Praying that your heart is filled with peace and all beautiful memories. ♥️
My deepest condolences to his family. He was such a great man
I would like to give my condolences to the family. Sending prayers to the entire family.
In his youth, Jimmy was a highly talented basketball player, as he played for Ladislano “Lano” Oropeza coached Our Lady of Guadalupe teams. Once he obtained his University degree, Jim Ramirez became an unstopable community Activist with a self guided mission of opening doors to higher education for ALL PEOPLE. His influence spread to city, county and state political establishment who reached out to Jim, to represent Spanish surnamed/speaking peoples on boards, task forces and ultimately in positions of direct influence within Omaha’s Public Schools. The number of young students who went on to become teachers, administrators, educators and influencers in the Community is truly astonishing! I salute you James “Jim” Ramirez. Your legacy lives on through the work of those you empowered and guided onto the path promised to all Americans.
My mom new him from work at OPS. He hired me to help paint houses over one summer to make extra money. He taught me all the detailed work to prep and paint houses. MORE IMPORTANTLY, he taught me life skills, values and shared stories. At the end of the summer, it wasn’t about painting houses. I was looking forward to spending some time with him and hearing more stories and learning more about LIFE. RIP Mr. Ramirez. Thanks for the time spent and lessons taught.
Very sorry to hear he passed. His family grew up down the street from mine. ( The Carmona’s).
This man surely earned his angel wings after rising to great heights with his many accomplishments he never forgot about his Latino roots. He truly gave back to his community with compassion. Helped 100’s of the Latino youth to reach their goals. He showered our Latino community with strength & his legacy carries on. He was a real gift from God to So Omaha. Now he can rest in peace.
My heartfelt condolences to the Ramirez family. When Jim was working for the Omaha Public Schools, he came to New Mexico to recruit Hispanic teachers. At that time, I decided to take an elementary teaching position to work for the Omaha Public Schools at Field Club Elementary. When I got to Omaha, Jim took me under his wing and helped me so much. Four years later when I moved back to New Mexico, he came to my wedding. He was such a great man and I was so very blessed that I got to know him. He will be greatly missed.
Jim was an inspiration to me! I’m honored that our paths crossed!
Our deepest condolences to the family. In 1992 Jim recruited my husband and I from New Mexico to teach in Omaha. We appreciate all that he did to make us feel comfortable being so far from our family. He would always check in on us, invite us to dinner and even to family gatherings at his sister’s home in Iowa. Our last visit with Jim was several years ago when he came to New Mexico with a group of students for the Mariachi Spectacular. I always looked forward to receiving a Christmas card from him each year. Rest in Peace, Jim.
I was heartbroken to hear of the passing of a very special man. Jim recruited me from New Mexico State University to teach in Omaha. He and Karen became part of my family. I will miss him dearly. I am so blessed to have had 37 years of special memories of Jim.
Sending our deepest sympathy to Karen and all of Jim’s family. Jim was a wonderful neighbor and friend. We have missed him so much since he was in a care facility.
Praying for peace and comfort.
Many years ago Dr. Ramirez recruited me to the Omaha Public Schools and served as a strong mentor to me. I admired and respected his resilience and strength and will forever be grateful our paths crossed and thankful for what he did for me.
Dr. Ramirez was so humble and such a wonderful human being. He was a mentor to many and one of mine for sure; Helped me and my mother out in a situation at school when treated unfairly and my mother was totally ignored. Although there were many leaders through my journey that I thank today and I have thanked through the years, Without Doing what he did when he was working at the TAC building, I would’ve not graduated on time no matter how great my grades were. Thank you Dr. James Ramirez (at the time I knew him as Mr. Jim Ramirez) you will not be forgotten, and you will always be remembered us, one of Omaha‘s greatest leaders and inspiration for young Latinos as you were mine.
Dr. Jim Ramirez…One of my heroes! One of the people I give credit to my success. Rest in peace 💔😭
I honor one of our community’s shining lights, Dr. Jim Ramirez. A true pillar of the Latino community, Dr. Ramirez has dedicated his life to uplifting others and creating opportunities for growth and success.
Through his unwavering commitment to education, leadership, and advocacy, Dr. Ramirez has inspired countless individuals to dream big and work hard to achieve their goals. His tireless efforts remind us of the strength, resilience, and unity that define our community.
Gracias, Dr. Ramirez, for being a beacon of hope and a champion for progress. You are a hero, not just for today, but for generations to come. 🌟🙌
#LatinoHero #CommunityLeader #DrJimRamirez #Inspiration
Dr. Jim Ramirez…One of my heroes! One of the people I give credit to my success. Rest in peace 💔😭
I honor one of our community’s shining lights, Dr. Jim Ramirez. A true pillar of the Latino community, Dr. Ramirez has dedicated his life to uplifting others and creating opportunities for growth and success.
Through his unwavering commitment to education, leadership, and advocacy, Dr. Ramirez has inspired countless individuals to dream big and work hard to achieve their goals. His tireless efforts remind us of the strength, resilience, and unity that define our community.
Gracias, Dr. Ramirez, for being a beacon of hope and a champion for progress. You are a hero, not just for today, but for generations to come. 🙌
Karen, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Jim has done so much for OPS and the South Omaha community.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family, it was May1991, and the last hour of a job fair at UNM, when Jim called me over to his table, 3 months later I was teaching for OPS! I cant imagine how my life would’ve turned out if I had never met Jim, and I will forever be grateful that he brought me to Omaha, thank you Jim, you were truly a great man, rest in peace my friend!
My thoughts and prayers are with the family, so sorry for your loss, Jim was a great man! It was May 1991, and the last hour of a job fair at UNM, when Jim called me over to his booth, 3 months later I was a PE teacher for OPS! I cant imagine how my life would’ve turned out if I had never met Jim, and I will always be grateful to him for bringing me to Omaha! Que descanses en paz, mi amigo!
I remember Jim from the South Omaha Boys club 1966-1967, a great man!
I remember Jim from the South Omaha Boys Club 1966-1967, Great Man!
My sympathy to the Ramirez Family on the loss of Jim.
He was such a gentleman, a role model and an outstanding community leader in his own quiet way.
As a school counselor at Norris Jr High School and Field Club Elementary, he helped me and numerous families navigate “ the system”.
May God reward him bountifully for his service to all on this earth.
Rose Roeder
Retired OPS
My deepest sympathies to Dr. Jim Ramirez family.. He recruited and encouraged my nephew, Edward Ventura to attend New Mexico State University and he did. He has been a teacher for OPS for many years now. Mr. Ramirez was a great advocate for the Mexican and Mexican American students. May he rest in peace.
I respected Dr. Ramirez to be a kind and gentle leader, activist and educator. May he indeed rest in peace. My condolences to his family.
In deepest sympathy to Jim’s family. One never saw Jim without a smile. His courtesy toward everyone and his concern for young people were unfailing. Jim was all that defines a true gentleman.
NYC (Neighborhood Youth Corps) Goes to College is where I met Mr. Ramirez in the summer of 1972. Earned some college credits from UNO before becoming a senior in high school. Mr. Ramirez was one of our NYC counselors. I attended UNO and visited him in his office on several occasions. He was always willing to listen and give support to a freshman trying to find her way. My sympathies to the Ramirez family and friends.
My heartfelt condolences to the Ramirez family. I will truly miss Dr. Ramirez’s willingness to share his knowledge and time to those who asked. Rest in Peace, Sir.
Dr Ramirez will be greatly missed….words can’t describe enough the path he lead and paved for so many of us. I will be forever grateful the way he mentored me and so many others unconditionally. Whether it was sports, family, community, work or culture….he lead the way, leaving a everlasting legacy that will forever be remembered as an incredible human being. Dr. Ramirez….you will be greatly missed,,,,RIP my hero.
Our deeply condolences to he’s family and the Latino community. He leave a big legacy to all of us. he encourage the young generation with no rights to pursue their collage degree. More of them with scholarships.
As a life long public schools educator, I can proudly say that it was the direct influence of Jim Ramírez that gave me the push to enroll in UNO’s college of education and complete my degree with the goal of becoming an educator. Thank you.
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