James J. Crilly Sr.

Former Hastings resident, James J. Crilly Sr., 86, passed away Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at Elk Ridge Assisted Living, Elkhorn, NE. 

Rosary will be 9:30 a.m. and Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 1, at St. Cecilia Catholic Church with Father Matthew Schilmoeller and Father Steve Boes officiating. Burial will be at Parkview Cemetery in Hastings. Visitation will be 3-7 p.m. with the family present 5-7 p.m. Monday, June 30, at the funeral home, and one hour before the service at the church. Memorials may be given to the family for a memorial to be established at a later date. The service will be live-streamed on Livingston Butler Volland Funeral Home’s website. To view the service, go to James’s obituary and click the play button shown toward the bottom of the page. 

James was born April 30, 1939, in Lincoln, NE, to James M. and Dorothy (Felix) Crilly, he lived a full life grounded in hard work, faith, and family. He spent his early years in Nebraska before graduating from high school in Sheridan, WY. He went on to earn a degree in agricultural business from Arizona State University, setting the foundation for a lifelong career in agriculture. James worked as a self-employed agricultural and livestock salesman, a profession that reflected his strong connection to the land and rural communities. 

James enjoyed spending quality time with his family and friends, often sharing laughter, stories, and unforgettable moments. He had a lifelong passion for team roping and loved the camaraderie and challenge it brought. He also found simple joy in collecting golf balls, a hobby that reflected his appreciation for the little things in life. 

On August 19, 1960, he married Donna Kealy. Together they shared many cherished years until her passing in 1996. On January 29, 1997, James married Joyce Crowley, and they continued to build a life filled with shared values and companionship. 

James was a past member of St. Cecilia Catholic Church and remained rooted in his faith throughout his life. He will be remembered for his dedication to his work, his enduring love for his family, and his quiet strength. 

James was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Donna Crilly; and brother and sister Mike Crilly & Liz Gale. 

SURVIVORS: 
Wife: 
    Joyce (Crowley) Crilly – Elkhorn, NE 
Son & Spouse: 
    Jim & Kerry Crilly Jr. – Norfolk, NE 
Step-Children & Spouses: 
    Colleen & Jon Wilson – Sioux Falls, SD 
    Erin & Aaron Hatfield – Omaha, NE 
    Brendan & Crystal Crowley – Omaha, NE 
    Kerry & John Pauletti – New York, NY 
    Ryan & Kibbe Crowley – Lexington, KY 
    Kelly Perez – Omaha, NE 
Grandchildren: 
    20 
Great-Grandchildren: 
    3