James E. Iverson

James Edward Iverson was born September 13, 1950, the second son of Eldon and Marie Iverson. He grew up on the family dairy farm west of Papillion, and attended kindergarten through 8th grade at Sacred Heart Academy. He then attended Papillion High School and  graduated in the Class of 1968.  

He attended technical college in Milford where he earned a degree in auto body work before being drafted into the Army during the Vietnam Conflict.  He was stationed at Ft. Riley, Kansas as an infantryman where he earned several marksman medals. 

Upon his discharge from the Army, Jim returned to Nebraska and went back to auto body work at Berner Chevrolet in Louisville. He then opened his own body shop in Gretna where he spent the next 45 years as owner/operator of Gretna Paint and Body.   

Though Jim described himself as a “shy person”, he was likable, friendly and had many strong friendships lasting decades. Many of his friendships were made through his affiliation with the Gretna American Legion and St Patrick Catholic church, which he was proud to be involved with. 

As his health declined in recent years, he moved to an assisted living facility and it didn’t take long for Jim to befriend all the residents there as well.   

Jim was a hobby enthusiast! He loved fishing and bow hunting deer and turkey with several friends in Niobrara, Nebraska.  After harvesting an animal, Jim also loved to cook and share his wild game specialties.  He arrived at every family event with a homemade sausage, loaf of home made bread or smoked turkey (likely made using a “secret rub” in the back of his old Jeep wagon retrofitted to be a mobile smoker).  He also introduced the family to his frozen Red Rooster drink, which has become a holiday staple.   

Getting an iPad a few years ago changed Jim’s life forever! He loved following stock market trends, and taught himself how to play the guitar by watching videos online. He attempted to play the harmonica, but it didn’t work out as well.  Prior to digital technology, Jim snapped rolls and rolls of photos at family events, and amused his great nieces and nephews showing them how to search for "treasures” with his metal detectors. 

Jim and his unique quirks will be missed. He is survived by his brothers Bob (Mary), Don (Melanie), Larry (Karen), Rich (Cheryl), Ken, and Dennis (Teri), along with nieces and nephews Shantale Platt, Justin Iverson, April Romans, Dan Iverson, Sarah Sibert, Carrie Harrison, Colin Iverson, Michael Iverson, Jordan Iverson, Jason Iverson, Jessica Gubser, Jake Iverson, Patrick Iverson, Nate Iverson, Matt Iverson plus many great nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents Eldon and Marie and his niece Tina Iverson Meehan.

Visitation Monday 5:00 - 6:30 PM with Vigil Service 6:30 PM at church. Funeral Service 10:00 AM Tuesday (2/13/24) at St. Patrick Catholic Church 508 Angus St. Gretna, NE. Interment Calvary Cemetery. Memorials to St. Patrick Catholic Church or Josie Harper Hospice House.  

Roeder Mortuary 

11710 Standing Stone Gretna, NE 

402-332-0090 www.RoederMortuary.com