James "Jim" H. Diller

James “Jim” H. Diller passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his loving family on September 5 ^th , 2022.

Jim was born to the late Harold E. Diller and Margaret James in Fairbury, NE on January 11, 1949. He was a member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church and attend St. Michael’s Catholic School for grades one through eight. He was a graduate of Fairbury Junior-Senior High School, graduating in 1967. Jim was drafted into the United States Army on April 13 ^th , 1969 and later enlisted for a term of three years. He was honorably discharged in January of 1972. Following his service, Jim was employed with the Nebraska State Department of Roads for seven years before beginning his employment at Endicott Clay Products for over thirty years.

In his younger years, Jim was an avid outdoors man often spending time fishing and hunting with his brother Tim and close friends. Jim was a very talented pool player and enjoyed participating in both league and tournaments and excelled to Class A and Master status during his prime. He consistently participated in the Annual Midwest Eight-ball Tournament and enjoyed placements in these competitions.  He enjoyed the many friendships he built during this time. Jim also enjoyed restoring his 1967 Pontiac Firebird and was a great fan of classic cars. He was a member of the VFW and a lifetime member of the Fairbury Elks Club. Throughout his life Jim enjoyed his many pets throughout the years and especially his best furry friend Thor.

Jim married Judy James of Steele City on September 2 ^nd , 1970. Following their union, Jim and Judy resided in Germany during his station there and later resided in Fairbury, Nebraska becoming the parents of two children, Mike and Carrie Diller.

Jim is survived by his wife of 52 years, Judy, son Mike Diller of Fairbury, grandson Chayton Baloun of Fairbury, his daughter Carrie (Diller) Stephens and husband Donald of Waverly, and granddaughters Addison and Isla Stephens of Waverly, his brother Tim Diller of Fairbury, and several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, and a large group of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister Sue Meredith and both his parents.

Services will be Friday, September 9, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Fairbury.  Memorials will go to the Family’s Choice.  Burial in the Fairbury Cemetery.  Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements. www.gerdesmeyerfh.com