James S Belden, 76, of Lincoln was born near Dawson, Nebraska on October 23, 1939 to George Jr. and Gladys Estep Belden.  He was raised on the family farm and graduated from Dawson High School with the class of 1957. After graduating from the University of Nebraska, he taught high school English for a few years.  On August 7, 1966, Jim was united in marriage to Gwen Watsek at The Christian Church in Humboldt.  They established their home in Lincoln where Jim was employed by the Nebraska Department of Labor until his retirement in 2002.

Jim passed away on Sunday, October 16, 2016 at the High Plains Assisted Living Facility in Lincoln having reached the age of seventy-six years, eleven months, and twenty-three days.  He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister Patricia Kay Windrum.  

Jim is survived by his wife Qwen of Lincoln, NE; two daughters, Lori (William) Koepke of Lincoln, NE; Lisa Belden and Ignacio Moore, Blacksburg, VA; four grandchildren: Mackenzie and Benjamin Koepke of Lincoln, NE; Amalia and Camilo Moore of Blacksburg, VA; father-in-law Albert Watsek of Lincoln, NE; brother-in-law Allen (Jody) Watsek of Lincoln, NE; brother-in-law Larry Windrum of St. Paul, MN; and many other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

 A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, October 21 at First Christian Church, 430 S 16th, Lincoln Nebraska.  A Graveside Inurnment will be at 2:30 p.m. at The Bohemian National Cemetery south of Humboldt, Nebraska. 

Memorial contributions may be given to the family’s choice with a later designation.  
Online messages of condolence can be left at www.wherrymortuary.com 
Services are entrusted to Wherry Mortuary-Humboldt, Nebraska (402) 862-2915