James “Jim” Aufrecht was born on April 11, 1944 in Denver CO, his parents were John and Nina (Slabaugh) Aufrecht. Jim passed away at Great Plains Health on August 27, 2024, at the age of 80.
Growing up, Jim lived in Cozad until his sophomore year of high school when he then transferred to North Platte High School and graduated with the class of 1963. In 1964, Jim married Cheri Miller at the Baptist Church in North Platte; the couple would have three sons together: Troy, Ron, and Curt. After graduating high school, Jim attended Parks Business School where he received a degree in computer programming and also worked as a photographer for Governor Love in Denver. In 1967, the couple moved to North Platte and Jim began a 40-year career at Brown-Harano Studio. He also worked briefly for Murphy Tractor and then at Carhart Lumber, where he never officially quit working but was instead, simply “taking some time off”.
Jim was a long-time member of First Lutheran Church in North Platte, spending several years serving on the church board. Jim was also a member of the Eagles, and was a past member of Kiwanis. He also spent many years as a scout leader. Jim was mostly known for his photography, taking thousands of wedding, senior, and school photos throughout Nebraska. Jim was also able to serve as an Honorary photographer for President Ronald Reagan when he visited North Platte. He never failed to remember a name and made connections with multiple generations of many families. Jim loved to work on cars, and was an expert at fixing anything. Jim was a clock and oil lamp collector, often finding his next collection piece at one of the many auctions he attended. He was always ornery, always pushing buttons, but was always loyal, especially to his grandkids whom he loved to take on long drives.
Survivors of Jim include his wife, Cheri Aufrecht of North Platte; sons and their spouses, Troy (Barbara) Aufrecht of Colombia, MO, Ron (Deann) Aufrecht of McCook, Curt (Christy) Aufrecht of North Platte; grandkids, Jessi (Matt), Kaylie (Rob), Kirt, Jayde (Jeff), Maddie, Brendan (fiancé - Avory), Kaylee, Brogan, Brayden, Isaac (Emmely), Bryce; great grandkids, Freya and Isaac; siblings, Dave (Carmen) Aufrecht of Kearney, Karen Ward of Cozad, Steve (Jill) Archer, Sharon (Bill) Ladd, Karen (Kevin) Archer; many nieces, nephews, and other family.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, John and Nina.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to First Lutheran Church in North Platte. Online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at 11 AM at First Lutheran Church with Rev. Patrick Sipes as officiant. Book signing will be held on Friday, September 6, 2024, from 9 AM to 3 PM at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home.