James Hogan Sealey
(photo credit: Jon Pearson, QLI)
VISITATION: Monday, October 10, 2022, 10:00AM, followed by MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: 11:30AM, all at St. John Catholic Church, 2500 California St.
In lieu of flowers, gifts to Jesuit Academy (Omaha), Food Bank for the Heartland, charity of choice or an act of kindness is appreciated.
Jim’s brief biography: Born on December 20, 1965, Jim/Jamie/James attended Christ the King grade school and then Creighton Prep (1984) before attending UNL to study journalism. In all those years, Jim nurtured friendships which have endured.
After graduating from UNL, Jim worked full time with Nebraska Book Company in Lincoln which frequently took him to colleges and universities across the country.
In 1992, Jim joined Jesuit Volunteer Corps in Minneapolis and worked full time with the homeless community through Catholic Charities. He often spent time after hours and weekends visiting homeless friends in various encampments in the city. After a year with JVC, Jim continued with Catholic Charities in a staff position.
In early 1995, Jim’s dad (also named Jim) died, and he soon moved to Omaha to assist his mom, Dorothy, for 17 years. During that time, he also opened and operated “Hogan’s Books”, a used bookstore in the Old Market area. Over time, more of his sales moved to on-line so he moved his collection to his home in the Elmwood Park neighborhood and continued the business. He took up wood working in earnest (custom bookshelves, tables, and benches crafted with painted wood, inlaid pieces with geometric designs).
When Jim’s mom later moved to Milwaukee to spend her remaining years nearby Jim’s only and older brother John and his family, Jim frequently took the eight-hour drive to visit.
In January 2015, Jim contracted a virulent form of pneumonia. This caused an anoxic brain injury that landed him in the ICU. For the next six plus years Jim lived either in full-care facilities or with in-home care before his final fifteen months in hospice care. Through it all, Jim’s memory, personality, presence, and spirit were all intact. He was ever grateful to his caregivers and reflected how blessed he was even in his final days.
Jim’s hobbies and pastimes included poetry, rummaging for books to sell or collect, golf, music (mostly jazz, folk and alternative rock), art and design, and working for various causes in the pursuit of social justice.
His passing was peaceful and his soul is at rest.
9 Comments
Jim was such a neat man. I had the opportunity working with him at QLI. His knowledge of Everything and friendly spirit will be missed.
To Jim’s family, I am so sorry for your lost. Jim was such a kind and peaceful man. I’ll cherish the time I spent with him. God bless.
I remember him well as a child when we were growing up, just a great young man. My condolences to big brother John, God Rest Jamie’s Soul…!!!
John and Leah, I am so sorry for your loss. Molly
Dear John and Leah, What a wonderful person, brother and brother in law you have in Jim! May he see Jesus face-to-face and pray for his many loved ones from there. Condolences and prayers, Peter
Dear John and Leah and family, I’d been hearing about Jim ever since he became ill with pneumonia and his continuing struggles. And you and Leah visiting him as often as possible over those years. It is inspiring to read more about him and what a beautiful soul he is. Sending prayers, blessings and love with my deepest condolences. Anne-Marie
Jim was a kind, caring person and a great friend. Anyone who encountered him left a better person. He accomplished more in his shortened time on earth than most would ever dream of doing. Jim will be missed but never forgotten.
Jim was one of the most insatiably curious, compassionate, and expansive humans I’ve ever had the privilege of knowing. He taught me all the best parts of myself, and I can’t imagine that his journey after this life would be anything but acknowledging of that. Travel easy Sweet Jim Sealy, maybe Bright Eyes guide you and thanks for always cooling the carrots with ice cubes. Love you.
what a serendipitous event to come into St John’s for Mass and attend The funeral and meet you John, We are the last of our family and our brothers were very much similar in their chosen lifestyle and friendships. I had never met your brother but i still grieve the lass of my brothers 7/26/21 & especially Brother Danny, the musician and movie extra passing on 8/25/21. what a great day for a funeral with the Jesuits. ST. FRANCIS BORGIA GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS
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