James "Jim" A. Goodwater

Memorial service for James “Jim” A. Goodwater, 81 of Battle Creek, will be held 11:00 AM, Thursday, March 6, 2025 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Battle Creek. Officiating the service will be Father Steve Major. In lieu of flowers the family ask that donations be made to the Lied Battle Creek Public Library, Northeast Nebraska Animal Shelter, and the Battle Creek Volunteer Fire Department. Inurnment will take place at St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery, Battle Creek. Visitation will be held from 4 – 7 PM Wednesday, with Rosary starting at 7 PM at Stonacek Funeral Chapel in Norfolk. Jim died on Saturday, March 1, 2025 at Faith Regional Hospital, Norfolk. Stonacek Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Jim was born on December 15, 1943 in Norfolk, NE to Arthur and Helen (McGill) Goodwater. He attended grade school at St. Leonard’s Catholic school in Madison before moving to Cedar Rapids, Nebraska where Jim graduated high school in 1962. Jim married Vicki Bohnert on June 13, 1964 in Mankato, MN. After marriage Jim and Vicki lived in Mankato Minnesota where Jim worked for Kato Engineering. In 1968 Jim and Vicki with Lisa and Mike in tow moved to Madison Nebraska to manage the family bowling alley in Madison. Jim began his career with Chicago and Northwestern Railroad (CNW) in 1969. As a Mechanic in Charge, he led the team to ensure the derailed train cars were carefully put back on the track to continue their journey. The family moved from Madison to O’Neill, to Norfolk then to Hinton, IA all with the railroad. The CNW was acquired by the Union Pacific Railroad in 1995, and Jim retired in 2005 after 36 years of service. Jim and Vicki moved to Battle Creek, NE in 2007 to enjoy both of their well-earned retirements. Jim was a volunteer fireman in O’Neill, a Fourth Degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus in Norfolk and an active member of the Lion’s Club in Battle Creek. He loved the old school western tv shows, movies and books. He was an avid NASCAR fan and loved fishing, whether it was on a warm summer day or in an ice fishing shanty. Jim loved hunting weekends with his family and friends and looked forward to the comradery, laughter and fun each opening weekend provided. His greatest love was his beloved wife, his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and family. He was the happiest when all his children were home for long weekends and holidays. He beamed with immense pride as he traveled to attend his grandchildren’s football, hockey, cheer and acting activities. His warm demeanor, genuine smile and giving heart made him an instant friend with everyone who crossed his path. Jim is survived by his wife Vicki Goodwater of Battle Creek, children Lisa Ephraim of Phoenix, Mike (Sandy) Goodwater of Battle Creek, David (Christy) Goodwater of Council Bluffs, Chris (Ann) Goodwater of Norfolk, brothers Tom (Patty) Goodwater of Lincoln, Joe (Tabby) Goodwater of Lincoln, Dick (Marla) Goodwater of Gretna, sisters Mary Abboud of Omaha, Margie (Bill) Swerczek of Albion, brother-in-law Bill Tichota of Norfolk, sister-in- law Mary Goodwater of Lincoln, 10 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren. Jim was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Blake Ephraim, his parents Art and Helen, brother Bob Goodwater, sister Jean Tichota, in-laws Tony and Helen Bohnert, David Bohnert, Bill Bohnert, Mike Bohnert, George Abboud, niece Jayne Marshall, nephews Steve Goodwater, and Bruce Swerczek. Condolences can be expressed to the family online at www.stonacekfuneralchapel.com.

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James "Jim" A. Goodwater

December 15, 1943 - March 1, 2025