James “Jim” Francis Girard, born February 17th, 1929, joined the Lord on November 25th, 2020 when he passed away peacefully in his home with the companionship of loved ones. Jim took much pride in his home and surrounded himself with beauty that he brought into it with his passion for art and lasting friendships. Jim was an avid wood carver and artist for most of his life, passing his talents onto many students for over 20 years. Jim also had a talent for stained glass and painting, both of which are showcased throughout his home and the homes of many of his friends and family.
Annually, Jim would carve over 100 Christmas ornaments as gifts for his nieces, nephews and their children. In 1999, two of Jim’s hand carved ornaments, an angel and Santa, were selected to represent Box Butte County on the State Holiday Tree that was displayed in the Capitol Rotunda.
Many children and adults fondly remember his rotating Christmas tree that he proudly displayed. Jim dedicated two weeks every year to curate a different display that showcased approximately 300 ornaments from his vast collection. The overall collection consisted of over 1,000 ornaments that he gathered from all over the world across his lifetime.
Jim was a devout Catholic, having attended St. Agnes Academy through the 12th grade. He attended College at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln for Advertising from 1947-51. Jim was instrumental in organizing the St. Agnes Alumni Association and creating a room to showcase the school’s memorabilia. He was a member of the Holy Rosary Parish for his entire lifetime.
Jim proudly served his country in the United States Armed Forces from 1951-53, then entered the Army Reserves to complete 8 years of service. Jim was nominated for lifetime membership in the American Legion for his honorable service in the Armed Forces, outstanding service and loyalty to the American Legion and his long-term commitment to fellow veterans and their families.
Jim was on the 1962-63 League Champion team for the American Bowling Congress, he also enjoyed playing tennis, swimming and studying antiques in his leisure time.
Jim was the secretary, treasurer and buyer for Newberry Hardware Store from 1953-68. He served as the Director for the National Hardware Commission from 1962-63 where he was responsible for orientating business owners to new ways of merchandising. As a corollary, he also served with the National Furniture Commission from 1963-64. Here he advised businesses of new methods of furniture merchandising.
Jim’s commitment to giving back to the community has been reflected throughout his lifetime and started in his youth as a Cub Scout when he received the Arrow of Light Award at age 10. Throughout his adulthood, Jim continued this commitment to volunteerism, receiving multiple Presidents Volunteer Service Awards.
Jim was a member of the Chamber of Commerce, serving on the board for six years from 1961-66. He headed the retail committee and was responsible for business promotion in the City of Alliance. He was also an active member of the Jaycees.
From 1961-63, Jim was a member of the Planning Commission for the City of Alliance; this commission was responsible for planning the expansion of the city and the development of local recreational areas.
Jim started serving as a member of the Nebraska Historical Society in 1962 where he researched historical facts in the Alliance area. He spent over 68 years on the Board of Directors for the Knight Museum and served the role as President of the Knight Museum from 1962-68. During this tenure, a new museum was built for displaying the historical artifacts of the area. Jim helped plan the building, assisted in setting up displays, and secured some items for the museum. He donated not only his time and talent, but also many memorable treasures to the museum. Jim was also instrumental in organizing and creating the reality of the Alliance Military Museum.
Jim lived in Jackson Hole, Wyoming where he managed the Happy Peasant Art Gallery. During his time in Wyoming, he also acted as the Publicity Chairman for the Central Wyoming Council for the Boy Scouts of America.
Many local men remember Jim fondly as their Scout Master. He was awarded the Wood Badge Award in 1967 for completing an advanced, national leadership training. In 1974 Jim received the Silver Beaver award for distinguished service to boyhood and the Vigil Honor for the Order of the Arrow in recognition of his exceptional service, personal effort & unselfish interest in the welfare of others. In 1975 he received the St. George emblem in recognition of outstanding service to the spiritual development of Catholic youth. In 1977 Jim was elected to the Wyo-Braska Executive Board.
Jim served as a volunteer for Friends of the Library for over 40 countless years. He was part of the group raising over $100,000 for the Alliance Library. Jim joked that it was the only volunteer job he was ever fired from.
He will be remembered as a true gentleman with a kind and giving heart who was always willing to lend an ear to his many friends and family members during good times and bad.
Jim was preceded in death by his father, Francis Bernard Girard, his mother, Helen Elizabeth Newberry Girard and his brother Bernard “Bernie” Girard.
He is survived by his brothers Joe (Mary) Girard of Grove City, Ohio,; Tom Girard of Kingman, Arizona,; his sister Helen Girard Knapp of Riverton, Wyoming and his numerous nephews, nieces, great nieces and great nephews. He is also survived by his special friends, Susie Tritle, Karen Trussell, Chan & Connie Schwartz and Lila Fiebeg.
Memorials may be given to the donor’s choice in Jim’s memory. Memorial services will be announced at a later date. Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com with Bates-Gould Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.