James J. McQuillen, 84

James Joseph McQuillen was born on January 4, 1940 in Dubuque, Iowa. He passed away on January 9, 2024 at Bellevue Hospital in Bellevue, Nebraska.

Jim grew up on his family farm near Epworth, Iowa with his ten brothers and sisters. After graduating Jim married Sheila Marie Kennedy and joined the Air Force, he was stationed at Offutt Air Force Base in Bellevue. They returned to Iowa with their daughter Shawn when Jim completed his service. Jim was employed at John Deere and worked on neighboring farms. They decided to return to Omaha where they operated a cleaning service for 10 years until Jim began working at Carrier Distributing. He retired as the warehouse manager after 35 years.

Jim always loved tinkering with cars and tractors. His pride and joy were his 1958 Chevys and his Farmall M. He enjoyed cruising in the convertible with his wife and grandson. A stop for ice cream almost always occurred during these drives. He and his son-in-law Jeff had a great time working on and repainting his Farmall M.

Jim and Sheila loved to travel and spent many years seeing sights in the states and abroad. Their river cruise to France, Austria, Switzerland and Germany was a highlight. Alaska, Hawaii and of course Ireland were among the favorite places they visited.

Jim will be remembered for his willingness to pitch in and help with repairs and remodeling as well as his quick wit and teasing ways as many nieces and nephews can attest to.

Jim is survived by his wife Sheila, daughter Shawn (Jeff) Isom, grandson Kevin Smith, brother Joseph (Corinne) McQuillen, sisters Carol Houtakker, Sharon (Joseph) McAuliffe, sister-in-laws Joyce McQuillen and Judy McQuillen, numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Joseph C. and Hazel J. (Jochum) McQuillen, sisters Dorothy McQuillen, JoAnne (Frank) Delany, Lois (Michael) McDermott, Joyce McQuillen, brothers Richard (Janet) McQuillen, Thomas McQuillen, and Patrick McQuillen.

The family would like to thank the Bellevue Hospital, especially the ICU for the care he received.