Rev. James E. Mote

Funeral Services for Reverend James E. Mote will be held on Friday, February 13, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Wilcox, Nebraska with Pastor Phillip Clay officiating. Masonic Rites will be performed at the conclusion of the services at the church by the Jachin Lodge #146 AF&AM. Interment will be held in the Wilcox Cemetery with military honors provided by the Wilcox / Hildreth American Legion and V.F.W. in conjunction with the United States Army Military Honor Guard.

James Edward Mote, 95 years of age, of Minden, Nebraska (formerly of Wilcox) passed away on Friday, February 6, 2015 at the Bethany Home in Minden. James was born May 23, 1919 at El Cajon, California, the fifth of seven children born to John Asa and Lura May (Barnhill) Mote. James received his education at Grossmont High School in Grossmont, California, graduating with the class of 1939. He then pursued higher education at San Dimas, California for his first two years of college before serving in WW II. He was inducted into the United States Army Air Corps on January 21, 1942 and served with the 773rd Bomb Squadron in the European African Theater until his honorable discharge on October 2, 1945.

Following his service, James returned to college at the California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo. James then pursued his calling to ministry and attended seminary at the Iliff School of Theology in Denver, Colorado and later received his Master's Degree of Divinity.

He was appointed the serve the Methodist Church in Tryon, Nebraska. While serving this church he met Dorothy Loella Tupper, who he would later marry on September 6, 1964 at the Community Methodist Church in Tryon. The couple made their home in Overton, Nebraska, where Jim served the United Methodist Church. Dorothy was supportive of Jim's ministry and enjoyed life as a Pastor's wife. From 1972 – 1976 they served in Stratton, Nebraska and then were appointed to the Laurel and Logan Center, Nebraska churches. In 1981, they ministered in the Orchard and Royal, Nebraska churches until retiring in 1985 and moving to Wilcox. Following retirement, Jim continued to serve his Lord by filling the pulpit at the Mascot Bethel Church in Harlan County for several years.

Pastor Mote was a member of the American Legion, the Wilcox Lion's Club, and the Jachin Lodge #146 AF&AM Masonic Lodge. He enjoyed fishing, woodworking, carpentry, and tending to his garden. Jim and Dorothy also enjoyed many travels together including: Alaska, Hawaii, Israel, and Canada. On November 2, 2002, Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy. In 2007, Jim began to make his home at the Bethany Home in Minden. In recent years, Jim enjoyed the company of his special friend, Margaret Sigurdson.

He leaves to mourn his passing; his sister, Lura Stoakes and her husband, Clair of Winside, Nebraska; sister-in-law, Maxine Aspegren of Holdrege; special friend, Margaret Sigurdson of Minden; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Besides his wife, Dorothy and his parents; Jim was preceded in death by his step-mother, Elva (Huddleston) Mote; four brothers: Hugh Mote, Daniel Mote, Harry Mote and John Platt Mote who died in infancy; and sister, Rosella Robertson.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 12, 2015 from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. with the family greeting from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege.

A memorial has been established in Jim's memory and kindly suggested to the Wilcox United Methodist Church.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of the arrangements.