James "Jim" Halferty

A Celebration of Life for James Halferty, 80, will be from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m., Saturday, June 28, 2025, in the Courtyard at Midtown Events Center in Norfolk. 

Visitation with the family will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Friday, June 27, at Home for Funerals Chapel, 708 Georgia Avenue.

Home for Funerals is in charge of arrangements.

James Halferty died on January 30, 2025, at his residence in Round Rock, Texas.

Mr. Halferty resided in Norfolk, Nebraska for fifty years before moving to Texas in May 2024 to be closer to family.

James Edward “Jim” Halferty was born to Edward and Florence (Gilliland) Halferty on March 26, 1944, at Yocum Hospital in Chariton, Iowa. He graduated from Chariton Community High School in 1962. Jim attended and played football for Northeast Missouri State College in Kirksville, Missouri and then graduated from the State College of Iowa in Cedar Falls in 1966 with a degree in Education. In 1971, he received a master’s degree from Northeast Missouri State. 

He taught Social Studies, Physical Education, and coached in the Davis County School System in Bloomfield, Iowa and the Winfield-Mt. Union School District in Winfield, Iowa. After moving to Norfolk, Nebraska in 1974, he taught and coached for 27 years in the Winside Public School System before retiring in 2003.

On June 25, 1966, Jim and Elaine Colgan were married at Sacred Heart Church in Chariton, Iowa. Their two children are Michael Joseph and Laura Elaine.

Jim was a lifetime member of the National Education Association and was active in the Nebraska State Education Association. He was a former chair of the Madison County Democrats and served on the Nebraska State Central Committee. He volunteered for Habitat for Humanity and for many years volunteered for the Norfolk Area Relay for Life.

Jim’s sense of humor, sharp intellect, generosity and mischievous nature were captivating. He enjoyed cooking and feeding people. An event that extended family members looked forward to was his annual St. Patrick’s Day Feast in Orlando, Florida.

He is survived by his wife, Elaine; son, Mike Halferty (Barb); daughter, Laura Podnar (Bob); grandchildren, Samantha, Evan and Abigail Halferty and Cassandra, Emily and Allison Podnar; his brother, Pat Halferty (Sandy); sisters, Judy Osborn, Linda Fenley (Keith), and Betty Rempster; brother-in-law, Rich Colgan (Dianna); and sister-in-law, Mary Stuhr (Don Jacobson); and numerous nieces and nephews.  

He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers-in-law, Mike Osborn and Dave Stuhr.

The family has requested that the best way to honor Jim’s life and memory is to thank a teacher. Please direct any memorial donations to the Winside Scholarship Foundation or Winside Junior Wrestling.

Home for Funerals in Norfolk is in charge of arrangements.

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