James J Bolling

Funeral services for James (“Jim”) J. Bolling, Sr., aged 81, of Neligh, Nebraska will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday, September 17, 2026 at Snider Memorial Funeral Home in Clearwater, Nebraska with Rev. Ryan Janke officiating. Visitation will be Wednesday, September 16, 2026 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Snider Memorial Funeral Home in Clearwater. Burial will be in the Clearwater Cemetery. Jim departed from this life at Mid-Nebraska Lutheran Home in Newman Grove, NE, on September 13, 2026, surrounded by family. Snider Memorial Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. Condolences may be directed to the family at www.snidermemorial.com

James “Jim” Bolling was born at home South of Clearwater, Nebraska on January 5, 1945 to Arnold and Dora (Behnk) Bolling. Jim was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith at Concordia Lutheran Church in Clearwater. Jim attended primary school at Midland District 70 and graduated from Clearwater Public Schools in 1963. Following high school, Jim worked at Contois body shop in Neligh, and hauled explosives to coal mines outside of Lander, WY.

Jim returned to Clearwater and began an apprenticeship with Reid Mummert, who taught him the heavy construction trade. For 37 years, Jim operated Bolling Construction, Inc. where he altered the landscape of local farms and fields and maintained roads for county townships. He had the natural ability to “eye” a project without measurements and make it come out just right.

Jim was united in marriage on March 5, 1965 to Gayl Larson, until her death on July 31, 1998. They made their home south of Clearwater. To this union were born four children: Brenda Sterns of Chambers, NE; Rachel (Ryan) Maxon of Lincoln, NE; Jamie (Brian) Podtburg; Adams, NE; and James J. Bolling, II, Clearwater, NE. On October 22, 1999, Jim was united in marriage to Bobbi Turay and gained two step-children; Chet Wright (Robbie Cullen) of O’Neill, NE and Jamie (Brandon) Hart of Neligh, NE. Following retirement from the heavy equipment business, Jim and Bobbi made their home in Neligh and opened Riverside Antiques. Jim unretired no less than a handful of times to work for Klabenes Construction where he made many good friends.

One of the biggest joys of his life was fishing – anywhere from Lakes Christina and Shoshone in Wyoming, to Grassy Narrows in Ontario, Canada, and to the Missouri River. He also enjoyed antiques and there wasn’t a shop he didn’t search out to find a treasure to drag home. He also enjoyed spending time with his family, spending time at Goose Lake when his children were young, teaching them to fish and water ski. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family at Christmas and no summer get together at Papa’s house was complete without a backyard hot dog and s’mores roast with his grandchildren. Jim was also a skilled carpenter, mechanic and gardener. He enjoyed making his back yard an oasis to rest and enjoy time with his family and friends.

In addition to his wife, Bobbi, and his children, Jim is survived by 17 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren; and his brother, Merlin (Janice) Bolling of Clearwater, NE. Jim was preceded in death by his first wife; his parents; and nephew Jarod Bolling.