James E. "Jim" Koontz II

Hastings resident James E. “Jim” Koontz II, 72, left this world free from Lewey Body Dementia and Parkinson's on Sunday, September 22, 2024, at Edgewood Vista Memory Care, Hastings, NE. 

A Celebration of Life will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 1, at First United Methodist Church in Hastings with Rev. Lance Clay officiating. There will be no viewing, visitation or burial. Memorials may be given to the family for a memorial to be established at a later date. 

Jim was born February 25, 1952, to James Sr. and Margaret (Eustler) Koontz in York, NE. He graduated from Hastings High School in 1970 and Hastings College in 1974 with a double major in English and Journalism. On June 16, 1977, Jim married JoAnn Westfall and to this union, they had three children, Mark, James III, and Sarah. 

Jim taught and was head boys basketball coach for many schools, including Giltner, Ashland, Clay Center, KS, Springview, and Hershey. He was the Principal at Stanton and Lawrence/Nelson. Jim was the Superintendent at Newman Grove and East Butler Public Schools where he retired from education. He became a licensed Methodist minister at All Parish in Ansley, Litchfield, and Loup City. On retirement, he and his wife JoAnn moved back to Hastings to take care of his mother. 

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Peter; father-in-law, Earl Westfall; and nephew, Brian Westfall. 

SURVIVORS:
Wife:  
    JoAnn
Children & Spouses:  
    Mark & Ashli 
    James III & Amy 
    Sarah & Ed 
Grandchildren:  
    Justus 
    Merci 
    Ziva 
    Silas 
    Agnes 
    Allison 
    James IV 
    Chloey 
    Payton 
    Phoenix 
    Hendrix