James C. Eckerberg, age 86, of Gering, Nebraska, died January 31, 2023, at home. A celebration of life service will be held Saturday, February 4, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at Central Church of Christ in Gering with Pastor Lyle Hinebauch officiating. The service will be livestreamed on YouTube via Gering Central Church of Christ at https://youtube.com/live/JJK5yk-oefs?feature=share. A memorial has been established to Central Church of Christ and Iglesia De Cristo. Fond memories and condolences for the Eckerberg family may be left at www.geringchapel.com
Jim was born on December 27, 1936, in Kansas City, Kansas, to Carl Hjalmar and Edna Ann (Howell) Eckerberg, and received his early education at Snow School in Kansas City, graduating from Rosedale High School. He received his Bachelors of Science Degree in Chemistry from Harding College in 1959. Jim was united in marriage with Mary Jane Everhard on February 16, 1957, in Searcy, Arkansas, and they made their home in Gering, where he was a member of Iglesia de Cristo (Church of Christ).
Jim was Chief Chemist at Co-op Oil Refinery in Scottsbluff from 1967 to 1982 when the refinery closed. He then transitioned into law enforcement, where he worked for the Gering Police Department, starting in 1985. He was an avid traveler, and was fond of the time he got to spend with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild.
Survivors include his wife, Mary Jane; sister, Ann Eckerberg; son, Philip (Margaret) Eckerberg; grandchildren, Kira Fish, Brooke Eckerberg (Josh), Brittany (Wyatt) Powell, Brianna Eckerberg, Matthew Eckerberg, Victoria Eckerberg, Meagan Eitzen; and great-grandson, Walker Powell.
He was preceded in death by his parents and daughter, Kirsten Plettner.