James William Eshleman, age 84, passed away on August 26 at Linden Court. Jim was born on January 3, 1942 in Denver, CO, to Charles and Lydia (Adams) Eshleman. His family moved to the farm near Hershey just ahead of the 1949 blizzard. Jim attended O’Fallons Elementary School and graduated from Sutherland High School in 1960. He attended Kearney State College.

Jim grew up camping near the South Platte River, looking for and finding arrowheads. He served his country in the National Guard from 1961 to 1967 with the rank of E5. Jim served on the Hershey School Board and various church committees.

On March 18, 1967, James married Carol Olson in the chapel at the North Platte United Methodist Church. They were the center of each other’s worlds, sharing a love that was truly special. Two sons, Timothy and Robert, were born to this union.

Jim and Carol farmed west of Hershey until 1986 and then Jim worked various jobs until his retirement from Walmart as a hardware/paint associate.

Jim was a devoted son, husband, dad, and grandpa. He played an active role in his sons’ lives. During their “growing up” years, Jim coached his sons’ ball teams, helped with Scout projects, and taught them the importance of a good work ethic. Jim especially enjoyed his sons’ activities, and provided moral support.

Jim loved the outdoors, especially his farmland, where he found great joy and a deep connection to the land. He and Carol also cherished their 59 years of friendship with their beloved card club. Dancing was another special part of their life together. In honor of Jim’s sister, Avie, Jim and Carol shared a memorable dance at the Avalon Ballroom on Catalina Island. Jim loved action TV shows, reading, woodworking (restoring furniture), playing blackjack and slots, and he loved the fireworks on the Fourth of July!

When Rob’s family built down the lane, Jim and Carol were blessed to have their grandsons, Ryan and Josh, close by. The boys began their school days at Jim and Carol’s. Jim cherished the mornings spent making breakfast for the boys and taking them to school, memories he reflected on with great fondness.

Survivors include his sons, Tim of Overland Park, Kansas, and Rob (Tami) of Hershey; grandchildren, Ryan (Abbi) of Gothenburg, Josh of Longmont, Colorado, James of Denver, Colorado, Elton of Overland Park, Kansas, and Lucia of Tucson, Arizona; and great-grandson, Dallis, Tim’s former spouse and mother of his children, Susana.

James was preceded in death by Carol, his parents and sisters Avalon Liggitt and Frances Ann Cable.

The family appreciates the care from Linden Court nurses and staff.

Memorial service will be at 10:00 A.M., Monday, August 31, 2026, at Carpenter Memorial Chapel in North Platte, Nebraska. Inurnment will follow the service at the Riverview Cemetery, located in Sutherland, Nebraska. Book signing will be at Carpenter Memorial Chapel on Sunday, August 30, 2026, from 2:00-7:00 P.M. with the family present from 5:00-7:00 P.M.

In lieu of flowers or plants, memorials are suggested to the Hershey United Methodist Church or the Hershey Fire Department.