James W. Furley

Funeral services for James W. Furley, 81, of Branson, MO, formerly of Norfolk will be 10:30 a.m., Monday, March 5, 2018, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Norfolk.  Burial will be in Prospect Hill Cemetery, Norfolk.  Visitation will be Sunday from 3-5 p.m. followed by a rosary at Home for Funerals, Norfolk, Nebraska.

            James W. Furley was born July 14, 1936 to James R. and Beulah (Angus) Furley in Ewing, NE.  He departed this life on March 1, 2018 at Mercy Hospital Springfield, MO.

At an early age, he moved to Madison with his family.  He attended Madison Public schools graduating in 1956.   Following graduation, James enlisted in the U.S. Army serving 18 months in Korea followed by 12 months in White Sands Missile Base in New Mexico.  He was honorably discharged in 1959.

James married Barbara Jean Van Ert on June 17, 1961 at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Tilden and they were blessed with five children.  They made their home in Madison and he was employed as a routeman for the Madison Coop Creamery.  In 1966, the couple relocated to Norfolk and he worked for the City of Norfolk Sanitation Department for four years.  He then worked as a department manager for Hinky Dinky until the stored closed in 1985.  James retired from the Norfolk Public Schools on July 1, 2002 after spending three years as a custodian for Norfolk Junior High and 15 years as head custodian at Northern Hills Elementary School.  While working as a custodian, James also operated and owned a successful lawn care service for over ten years.  In May 2013, the couple permanently relocated to Branson, MO.

Northern Hills PTA awarded James the Lifetime Membership for his service and dedication to the school.  He was also a member of the American Legion Post 16.   His hobbies included fishing, gardening, bowling and softball.  James was an avid Nebraska Husker and Norfolk Catholic Knights fan.

James was baptized, received First Eucharist and confirmed all as an adult at St. Leonard’s Catholic Church in Madison. He was also a member of the Sacred Heart Parish of Norfolk and Our Lady of the Cove Catholic Church of Kimberling City, MO.

He leaves to cherish his memory: his wife, Barbara Furley; five children (and spouses), Ronda Schiermeier (Gary), Randy Furley (Sheila), Bob Furley (Shelly), Roger Furley, Patrick Furley (friend Bryan); two brothers (and spouses), Richard Furley (Nel), Jerry Furley (friend Sandy); one brother-in-law, Bob Hoffman; nine grandchildren (and spouses), Kylie (Zach), Alex, Jace, Austin, Adam, Emily, Erin (Dalton), Caleb and Colton; one great grandchild, Warner; and a host of other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother Paul Furley and his spouse Mary Ann; his sister Lois Hoffman; and a brother and sister in infancy.

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