James Louis Quilty
November 4, 1945 – March 2, 2023
James Louis Quilty, age 77, of Omaha, Nebraska, passed away on Thursday, March 2, 2023. While words cannot express how much we miss him, we are comforted in knowing that he is now at peace in heaven.
James was born on November 4, 1945, in Kansas City, Kansas, the son of Mary Quilty. James, an only child, spent his youth on the playgrounds and baseball fields in Kansas City, Kansas, graduating from Ward High School in 1963. He attended two years of Junior College before entering the Anny and serving in the Vietnam War. After returning from the war, James began his career at the Union Pacific Railroad.
James married Ceslaus Garvey on July l5, 1967, and welcomed their son Bradley in 1970. The family grew with the arrival of their daughter Keri in 1980. In 1982, James moved his family to Omaha, Nebraska, where he began his union career for the Railroad. And after 42 years of hard-fought negotiations, James retired as an International Vice-President for Transportation Communication Union.
In retirement, James was an avid basketball fan cheering on the Creighton Bluejays and Kansas Jayhawks during the basketball season and Kansas City Chiefs in the cold winter months of football season, but James’ most prized passion was cheering on his two grandsons, Tanner and Hunter. He was their biggest and loudest fan. James devoted his life to his grandsons, making sure that they were properly spoiled and celebrated in everything that they did over the years. He made sure that he attended every event, from school plays and musicals to baseball and Trap shooting. James valued education and was very devoted to his grandsons getting a Catholic education.
James was preceded in death by his mother, Mary. He is survived by Ceslaus, his wife of 56 years; son Bradley; daughter Keri and her husband, Terry; 2 grandsons: Tanner and Hunter.
VISITATION: Wednesday, March 8th, 5-7pm at West Center Chapel. SERVICE: Thursday, March 9th, 1pm, at West Center Chapel. To view a live broadcast of the services, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and press the “View Live Cast” button.
Interment: Omaha National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to St. Piux X/St. Leo School and Creighton Prep.
16 Comments
To the Quilty Family:
Please know that Diana and I mourn with you which we pray is some measure of comfort. . Although nothing can fill this void we want you to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. May God grant you the strength to endure this very difficult time. Jim’s life and deeds will never be forgotten. Jim was a friend and confidant to me throughout my career. For his support and friendship I will be forever grateful. God Bless.
Your friends
Bob and Diana Scardelletti
Very good friend Best union man ever. Learned a bunch from him even his Quilty-iisms
Sorry to here about your loss.
Jim was a fearless fighter for his members, but always with a sense of fairness and humor. We spent many a night planning how we could achieve the best contract or get someone back to work. He was a good friend and a wonderful man.
We’re so sorry for your loss
Ces, Brad, Keri, Tanner, Hunter,, and family:
We think of our parents and their passing and, rightfully and respectfully so, tears fall from our eyes. But they roll down our cheeks to meet and moisten the grin we have which slowly grows and eventually permeates our entire face into a full blown smile. I challenge anyone to remember your dad and not smile at his memory! It can’t be done.
As we maneuver our way through life everything we touch with our hands we leave a fingerprint. In the same manner as we leave fingerprints, with every person we encounter on our journey through life, we leave—and receive—life prints.
Jim Quilty is to be remembered and thanked for the wonderful life prints he left on you, your family and many, many others!
And on these days we are taught to understand the true meaning of a broken heart.
You and your beautiful family remain in our thoughts! ❤️
Ces and family
God blessed us all with Jim, he was one in a million. I have so many wonderful memories of Jim & Ces, we had some great times. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Barbara and I were so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Jim was a good friend ]and will be missed by all. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time..
Jim was a great man. The love he had for his grandsons was only matched by the love he had for Chesa, Brad and Keri. He was the ultimate family man and never missed an opportunity to host a party, gathering or family event. His personality and wit cultivated a desire to be near him. In a time of sorrow words cannot mend broken hearts but they can give insight as to what a great man he was. His impact and immense influence cannot be measured or quantified. I’m a better person and father because of Jim and gif that, two words come to mind: THANK YOU
It has been my good fortune to have known Jim. Fond memories.
Blessed to have met Jim & Ceslaus as neighbors. Always will remember his friendly smile, wave & coversations about kids.
Heartfelt sympathy to all his family. Praying you find peace in his wonderful memory.
Blessed to have met Jim & Ceslaus as neighbors. Always will remember his friendly smile, wave & coversations about kids.
Heartfelt sympathy to all his family. Praying you find peace in his wonderful memory.
Chesa, Brad, Keri and family. I am so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. I have many fond memories of all our times together. He will be missed by many. Blessings to your family.
I was very sorry to learn of Jim’s passing He was one of the good guys. When I saw him I would always imagine that there was some mischief behind that great smile. May he rest in peace. My condolences to his family..
We are very sorry to learn of Jim’s passing. He was a good friend and a well respected union advocate. Our condolences to Ces and Jim’s family. RIP Brother, RIP.
Quilty family – so sorry to hear about your loss. Jim was a nice guy and I always remember him calling us in from the bus stop if it was too cold outside. I hope you can all find peace at this difficult time.
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