James D. Pape SMSGT USAF (Ret)
September 28, 1939 – March 29, 2023
James D. Pape, of Bellevue, Nebraska, died Wednesday, March 29th, 2023 at Hillcrest Health and Rehabilitation Center in Bellevue, Nebraska. Jim was surrounded by his family and passed away peacefully at the age of 83.
James is preceded in death by his wife Evelyn; parents Lewis and Bernice Pape; sister Carol.
He is survived by his son Curtis (Dana) Pape and his daughter Jamie; five grandchildren; three great grandchildren; siblings twin brother Jerry, Oran, Marty, Mary, and Lois.
James was born on September 28,1939 in Dyersville, Iowa. He graduated from New Vienna High School in 1957.
He enlisted in the United States Air Force in January 1962 and served 27 years including tours in southeast Asia during the Vietnam conflict. He spent his entire military career in the Strategic Air Command (SAC) and 10 years on the SAC Airborne Command Post. After his military service, he worked for the Bellevue Public School Service for 15 years. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion and VFW. He was a dedicated member of the St. Mary’s Catholic Church.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 1st, Bellevue Memorial Funeral Chapel in Bellevue, Nebraska from 6:00 – 8:00 pm with service at 7:00 pm. Visitation will also be held at the Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville, Iowa on Wednesday, April 5th from 2:00 – 8:00 pm, with another visitation on Thursday, April 6, 9:00-10:00 am at Kramer Funeral Home.
Memorial Mass: Thursday, April 6th at 10:30 a.m. at the St. Boniface Catholic Church, New Vienna, Iowa followed by burial at St. Boniface Cemetery with a reception to follow at the Fireman’s Hall. All are welcome to attend and celebrate his life.
To view a video of the service on April 1st at 7 pm, please click the link below.
https://boxcast.tv/view/james-d-pape-yl9nsjpleoubuokxhfxt
Military Honors: U. S. Air Force Honor Guard
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Bellevue, Nebraska, St. Boniface Catholic Church in New Vienna, Iowa or to the family.
3 Comments
I have such fond memories of Jim and will miss his gentle kindness. In 1962, when I was 15 years old, he was passing through Kansas City to see my folks and gave me a ride to the Pape farm in Dyersville where I spent the summer. On the way, we went to SAC and he showed me around the base and introduced me to some of his friends in Red Oak, IA.. I have always cherished the memories.of that trip. He was a true and caring gentleman.
Jim was such a great man. He will be missed by everyone. Prayers to his family. RIP Jim!
Jim and I worked together at the Bellevue Public Schools administration office for a number of years. What a great guy!! He always did a great job and was always smiling. Everyone in the building liked him. He and I became good friends there and remained in touch through the 25 years since I left. We have always gotten together for lunch periodically since. I’m going to miss him a lot! Rest in peace, special friend!!
Del Prindle
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