James Newton 'Old Man' Gaskill, age 87, of Gothenburg, Nebraska died January 22, 2020 in Gothenburg, Nebraska.
He was born on April 14, 1932 in Beloit, Kansas, son of Ross and Thelma (Flynn) Gaskill. He grew up in Beloit, Kansas and graduated from Beloit High School. He then served his country for four years in the U.S. Navy. James married Dorothy Kisner on July 17, 1955 at Beloit, Kansas. They became parents of Lisa, Rhonda, James and Eric. They made their home in Greeley, Colorado, Wray, Colorado, Kearney, Nebraska, and finally in Gothenburg, Nebraska.
James worked for many years as a foreman for the Department of Roads and also worked for the City of Gothenburg. He was a lifelong cowboy with a love of all that goes along with it - Ramrodders, Reloading, Leatherwork, Ironwork, and Outdoor Expo. He loved being out of doors - hunting, fishing, and camping. He loved to be with people - telling stories, sharing the love of the land and re-enacting history. He was a member of Artists Rights Society, Gothenburg Dancing Club and Gothenburg Roping Club. He was a participant in the 1976 Bicentennial wagon ride. He was an extra in Dances With Wolves.
Survivors include two daughters, Lisa McNulty and Rhonda Kandler; a son, James E. (Leota) Gaskill; seven grandchildren - Jonathon, Stephanie, Jennifer, Erika, Michelle, (and their father, Jeff Kandler, James W. and Adam; 13 great grandchildren - Thahira, Ciara, Sophia, Kayla, Nathaniel, Gavin, Madeyln, James, Keylee, Chloe, Kaydence, Aubrey, and Trevor; his siblings Donna Long, Nancy (Wayne) Huggins, Rodger (Karen) Gaskill, and Linda (Gale) Scott; along with many nieces and nephews and extended family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Dorothy, in 2019; his parents; a son, Eric; a grandson, Dale; his sister, Mary and brother, Ed; and a brother-in-law, Ivan Long.
Visitation will be held at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel, 620 Tenth Street in Gothenburg, on Saturday, January 25, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Larry Viter officiating.
Burial will follow in the Gothenburg Cemetery in Gothenburg, Nebraska.
Memorials may be given to the Nebraska Game & parks (Pressy Park) or the Gothenburg Senior Center.