James R. Havens, 54
Fremont

Died April 8, 2016 at Freedom Plaza Care Center in Peoria, Arizona after a long illness.

James Richard Havens was born November 29, 1961 in Norfolk, Nebraska to Richard and Florence Havens. Jim lived on the family farm in rural Stanton County until August, 1965 and then the family moved to the City of Stanton. Jim attended kindergarten through 7th grade in the Stanton Public Schools. He moved with his parents to Fremont, Nebraska in 1975 and attended 8th grade through High School in Fremont. Jim was a fine athlete in high school-a good golfer, a varsity cross country runner on Fremont High's outstanding team and a flyweight Silver gloves Midwest Champion. After graduation from Fremont High School, Jim attended the University of Nebraska in Lincoln, where he majored in Education and was a member of Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity. Jim had many friends in college and gained the nickname "Orville" for his nightly study ritual of making Orville Redenbacher popcorn. In the summer, Jim worked at Grand View Lodge, a large resort in Brainerd, Minnesota and developed some wonderful friendships. Jim received his Bachelor's degree from UNL in 1985 and pursued a career in the food industry. He worked various aspects of the industry-food sales and delivery, restaurant, grocery store and delicatessen management. In the mid-1980's, Jim received a medical diagnosis that changed his life when he learned that he had inherited Myotonic Muscular Dystrophy. Remarkably, Jim accepted the diagnosis of this debilitating condition with and amazing calm and lack of bitterness. He volunteered for studies with the Muscular Dystrophy Association throughout his life. In his 20's and 30's Jim lived a very normal life and worked in various cities across the Midwest such as Omaha, Lincoln, Kansas City and Des Moines. In 1998 he started to experience some physical issues due to his disease, and he moved to Phoenix, Arizona for a warmer climate. He continued working in Phoenix until 2005 when he no longer had the physical strength to continue working. He then moved to be with his parents in Nebraska in the summer and Phoenix in the winter. Despite his physical issues Jim lived an active life and followed sports closely. Especially Nebraska Husker sports and he and his mothers beloved Chicago Cubs. In 2007, Jim's mother passed away which left Jim's father, Richard as his caretaker for the last nine years of his life. Richard and Jim had a wonderful rapport an kept life fun and light. All During this time, Jim remained in close contact with his brother Rand, Sister-in-law Debbie, and Sisters Joni and Shelly. Additionally, he was very close to his three nephews and three nieces; they loved their Uncle and he taught them life lessons. He especially liked to follow their lives at school in sports, academics, music and other activities. He was always there to give them advice when asked. During family vacations and holidays Jim organized group activities and he excelled in playing and teaching card games. With the internet available to him, he was able to follow his interests-sports, politics, world events, and so on, even though he was home bound. He continued to enjoy life with a wonderful spirit even though his body was failing, and he gave and received love throughout the last years from his family and friends.

He is survived by his father Richard of Fremont, one brother Rand Havens (wife Debbie) of Berkeley, California; two sisters, Shelly Havens of Prescott Valley, Arizona and Joni Havens of Fremont; Nephews Jack and James Mamana and Andrew Havens, and nieces Kelly, Amy, and Isabel Havens. He was preceded in death by his mother Florence in 2007.

Memorial services will be Thursday, July 7 at the Presbyterian Church at 11:00 A.M. Dr. Earl Underwood officiating. Memorials have been established to the Fremont Presbyterian Church and the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Private interment will be held at the Stanton City Cemetery.
Condolences may be left at www.duganchapel.com.

Dugan Funeral Chapel
402-721-2880