James J. Jasa

James John “J.J.” Jasa, 78, of Wahoo, passed away peacefully on February 14, 2026, at Saunders Medical Center.

Jim was born March 31, 1947, in Omaha, Nebraska, to Leonard and Edith (Brodd) Jasa. He was their first and only child. From an early age, Jim enjoyed Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, camping, and collecting a large variety of items, and he always had a dog by his side. He graduated from Wahoo High School in 1966 and attended Peru State College for a year and a half before beginning what would become a long and dedicated working life.

In 1968, Jim began his career with the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad (CB&Q) in the Communications Department. He climbed telegraph poles in his early days before transferring to heavy equipment operations near Pacific Junction, Iowa. During his time there, the railroad merged with Great Northern to become the Burlington Northern Railroad.

Over the years, Jim operated a D-8 Caterpillar dozer, a 977 Cat trackscavator, as well as every other machine on the tie gang. Through steady commitment and skill, he advanced to operating the Kershaw tie injector—considered the most vital machine on the tie gang because it placed the railroad ties under the tracks. When his machine broke down, the entire operation paused. He took pride in doing his work well and in being someone others could depend on.

While working in Aurora, Illinois, Jim met the love of his life, Carol Elizabeth Finstrom. They were married on November 13, 1971, and shared a devoted marriage that would have reached 55 years this November. Together they built a life grounded in hard work, loyalty, and quiet companionship.

In 1972, wanting to be closer to home, Jim joined the Saunders County Highway Department dirt crew. In 1992, he began operating the County’s rubber-tired backhoe—a position he held until his retirement on January 9, 2015. In total, Jim gave 42 years and three months of service before stepping away due to health concerns.

In 2004, Jim and Carol found a special place on a lake where he could fully enjoy retirement. Fishing became his great joy. Whether casting from his golf cart along the shore or heading out in his boat, Jim felt most at peace on the water. He often said a fresh dish of crappie was hard to beat.

He will be remembered for his steady nature, his dedication to his work, his deep love for Carol, and the simple pleasures that meant so much to him.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife Carol Jasa; stepsister Corrie (Jim) Bruder; brothers-in-law Jim (Patricia) Finstrom of Jefferson, Texas, Rich (Anita) Finstrom of Tomahawk, Wisconsin, and Larry (Diane) Finstrom of Dallas, Texas; cousins Arlene (Jerry) Johnson of Wahoo, Laura Ann Brodd of Fremont, and Roger (Elizabeth) Brodd of Elkhorn; as well as nieces, nephews, second cousins, and extended family members. He was preceded in death by his parents Leonard and Edith Jasa; and cousin Robert Brodd.

Funeral services will be held at First United Methodist Church on Monday, February 23, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. Visitation will be Sunday, February 22, 2026, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Pruss-Nabity Funeral Home. Interment will be at Sunrise Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to Saunders County Lost Pets or Wounded Warriors Project.