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James I. McGrath, 76, of Allen, Nebraska, formerly of Afton, passed away unexpectedly June 18, 2023, while working on his farm. Visitation was held 4-7 p.m. with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, June 22 at Mohr & Becker-Hunt Funeral Home in South Sioux City, Nebraska. A memorial service will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 24 at Allen United Methodist Church in Allen, Nebraska.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in James’ name to either the Ponca Rodeo Association, or the Allen Nebraska Volunteer Fire Department. Online condolences may be made to www.meyerbroschapels.com.
Jim was born on Aug. 6, 1946, to James and Doris (Campbell) McGrath Sr. in Manhattan, Kansas. He graduated from East Union High School in Afton in 1964 and attended college in Maryville, Missouri, and in Creston at Southwestern Community College.
Jim married Myrna Bailey February 1966 in Creston. They had three children together. He enlisted Aug. 8, 1966, in The United States Air Force and was stationed in Japan as a decoder before being honorably discharged in 1970. After his discharge, they eventually moved to Afton. They moved to a small farm outside of Allen in November 1983, where he made his home until his death.
Jim was united in marriage to Debra Ahlquist July 20, 1996, in Dakota City, Nebraska. Together they lived on the ranch in Allen and raised horses. Jim took pride in his horses and enjoyed roping, team sorting, trail riding with friends and enjoyed going to rodeos. Jim was a proud, caring, honest man who lived life on his own terms.
He loved his family and grandchildren, and enjoyed watching their sporting events, horse shows and showing them life on a farm. He valued the little things in life and taught his children the importance of hard work.
Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Debra McGrath of Allen; children: Clark (Meg) McGrath of Creston, Alyssa (Mike) Bento of Lone Tree, Colorado, Brent (Liz) Gunderson of Omaha, Nebraska, Bart (Sara) Gunderson of Hubbard, Nebraska, and Andrea (Ryan) Tex of Gretna, Nebraska; grandchildren: Bailey (fiance Joel) McGrath, Maggie (fiance Matt) McGrath; Wyatt and Abi Bento; Brayden and Harper Tex; Isabel, RJ, Luke and Grant Gunderson; Hailey (Trent) Howley and Madison and TJ Gunderson; great-grandchildren: Marshall Howley and Caylyx Howley; brothers: William (Amy) McGrath of Cleveland, Tennessee, and Terry (Jan) McGrath of Evergreen, Colorado; many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents; in-laws, Clarke and Florence Bailey and Maynard and Betty Ahlquist and grandson, Benjamin McGrath.