James Ray Sheets, born September 30, 1922, returned to the loving arms of Jesus on October 18, 2022. James was family, a mentor, a confidant and a friend.
In James' own written words:
The sun and insatiable earth conspire to pull a disappearing act on all the water I pour on my plants. Of course, I am the slave in the whole process. Anything to prolong the look of summer. I get the sense I was born with a garden hose in my hand and sentenced to a life of watering forever. I look around at the incredible beauty of all the flowers, and I know it is worth the effort to be a co-worker in this ever changing feast of color. I can't paint pictures, but I can use plants to create a living work of art. As the years flash by with many fading dreams, I still have this gift and I am grateful. Some colors have faded from my palette. The Asiatic and oriental lilies have come and gone along with the piercing-red oriental poppies. The red and plum-colored hibiscus now join the mix of lavender Russian sage, bright yellow and orange dwarf cosmos, mixed-colored garden phlox, baby's breath, and a whole multitude of flowers vying for a place on the palette. The roses are hanging in, seemingly determined not to lose their preeminence in the theme of the show. Even the new ones: Judy Garland, Bull's Eye, and Perfume Delight are gearing up to make a last minute statement to bolster the place of roses as queens of all flowers. Waiting in the wings for their cue are the fall asters: white, blue, pink, wine and purple. Joining in the last hurrah of summer's art show are purple and yellow mums. The show is free and you are welcome to visit the gallery.
James was preceded in death by his parents: William R. Sheets and Della "Nancy" Emma Clara (Ragland) Sheets; and his siblings: Myron Leroy, William "Darrell", Robert Henry and Alice Marie Sheets.
He is survived by his sister: Marylyn J. (Sheets) Ohlmann of Valentine, NE; sister-in-law: Thelma Sheets of Omaha, NE; nieces & nephews: Sherry (Randy) Voigt of Valentine, NE, Garnet (Jeff) Starr & family of Valentine, NE, Terrence Ohlmann of Hermosa, SD, Todd Ohlmann, Lois (Dick) Schneider & family of Kilgore, NE, Joyce (Dan) Bauman & family of Pickrell, NE, Randy (Laura) Sheets & family of Follett, TX, Richard (Rita) Sheets & family of Aberdeen, SD, Matt Sheets of Gordon, NE, Mark (Shonda) Sheets & family of Alliance, NE, Mike (JoAnna) Sheets & family of Lincoln, NE, Doug (Susan) Sheets & family of -Omaha, NE, Kathy Johansen & family of Omaha, NE, Debbie (Tom) Busch & family of Alexandria, MN, and Jamie (Keith) Bartness & family of St Paul, MN.
Memorials may be given to:
Valentine Senior Center, 322 N. Macomb St, Valentine, NE 69201 in honor of the beauty he created and the kindness & joy he shared or
Borders Without Boundaries, 90269 Hatchery Rd, Valentine, NE 69201 in honor of Dora (kitty) & Annie (dog) who remained with him, keeping vigil.
As per Jim's wishes, there will be no funeral or memorial services.