James "Jim" Lewis Duval

James "Jim” Lewis Duval was born on January 1, 1950, in Red Cloud, Nebraska, to Clair and Bonnie Mae Duval, and passed away on July 24, 2026. He graduated from Bladen High School, earned his bachelor's degree from Kearney State College, and later completed his Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degree from the University of Nebraska at Kearney, reflecting his lifelong commitment to learning and education.

Jim began his career in education in Alma, Nebraska. With his first wife, Deborah, he welcomed two children, Chad and Amy. A lifelong educator, coach, and mentor, Jim devoted his career to serving students and communities across Nebraska. He spent most of his professional life in Blue Hill, where he served as a teacher, coach, elementary principal, athletic director, and high school principal. He later served as superintendent for Sterling, North Loup Scotia, and Central Valley Public Schools in Nebraska. Throughout his career, he touched countless young lives with his patience, encouragement, and unwavering belief that every student had the potential to succeed.

Retirement suited Jim only in name. After concluding his career in public education, he continued serving schools and communities as an Educational Consultant for Ayars & Ayars Construction. He also founded his own Design Procure Build business, where he served as President and Criterion Developer, combining decades of educational leadership with practical insight to help guide school construction and improvement projects.

Service to others extended well beyond his professional life. Jim was an active member of Blue Hill United Methodist Church and later Hastings Presbyterian Church. He volunteered as a CASA advocate, providing support and a voice for children in need, and served as a dedicated 4-H leader, encouraging young people to develop leadership, responsibility, and confidence. He also gave his time and energy to The Crane Trust, Special Olympics, Kiwanis, and the Hastings Chapter of the Torch Club. A proud Certified Nebraska Naturalist, he dedicated countless hours to teaching others about the state’s natural beauty. Whether in the classroom, on the basketball court, in church, or through volunteer and community service, Jim was committed to helping others grow and thrive.

Later in life, Jim married Kathy, and together they enjoyed the last fifteen years split between Hastings, Nebraska, and Tucson, Arizona. Whether spending time with family, enjoying the sunshine, traveling, or simply sitting outdoors, they built a life filled with companionship, laughter, and gratitude.

Outside of work, Jim found joy in simple things. He treasured the time he spent farming alongside his father and never lost his appreciation for the land. He loved golf, being outdoors, and tackling projects with practical ingenuity. He was especially fond of his Jeep, always ready for the next drive, and happiest when he could kick off his shoes and go barefoot. He believed that most anything could be fixed with duct tape and a little grit. Family and friends knew they could always count on him for a helping hand, thoughtful advice, or quiet encouragement when they needed it most.

Of all his accomplishments, Jim was perhaps proudest of his family. He delighted in being a father and grandfather and treasured time with his grandchildren: Heath, Kelty, Jack, Will, Hannah, Josh, and Charles, Claire, and Everleigh. Whether he was teaching them to fly fish, golf, or drive, watching them compete, reading books, building Legos, or simply enjoying a good laugh, he loved being with his grandchildren.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; his grandson, William Duval; and his brother-in-law, Gaylen Vance.

He is survived by his loving wife, Kathy Duval; his children, Chad (Sherri) Duval and Amy (Cliff Carlson) Duval Carlson; his stepchildren, Alex (Kelly Moughty) Peterson, Annie Maffitt, and Laura Peterson; his sister, Shirley (Jeff) Ewin; sisters-in-law, Sally (Hal) Reed, and Charlotte (Mark) Rodgers; his grandchildren; nieces, nephews, cousins, dear friends, and extended family members.

Jim will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, educator, coach, mentor, and friend. He led with patience, integrity, humility, and a deep belief in the potential of others. Generations of students remember the lessons he taught, the confidence he inspired, and the example he set. Family and friends will remember his steady optimism, practical wisdom, love of a good project, devotion to community, and the sight of him climbing into his Jeep or walking barefoot whenever he had the chance. Through his service, leadership, and quiet acts of kindness, Jim left every place he touched a little better than he found it. Even on the hardest days, when things did not go according to plan, he would remind those around him that "the sun will come out tomorrow." It was more than a saying. It was the way he lived his life, and it is a legacy that will continue to shine through all who knew and loved him.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at First Presbyterian Church in Hastings, Nebraska.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Where There's a Will Foundation, established in memory of Jim's grandson, William Duval. Supporting the foundation's mission to promote mental health awareness and provide hope to those facing mental health challenges is a meaningful way to honor both Will's memory and Jim's lifelong commitment to helping others. https://www.wheretheresawillfoundation.org/donate.