James Thomas Hoaas

    James Thomas Hoaas, 72, of Lincoln, Nebraska and formerly of Sioux City, passed away at his home peacefully in his chair on Wednesday, November 11, 2020. Due to Covid restrictions, a Funeral Mass will be held for immediate family only on Friday, November 20, 2020 at Cathedral of the Epiphany in Sioux City. Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be directed to www.meyerbroschapels.com.

   James was born on September 22, 1948 in Sioux City to Anna (Tsoutsouris) and Charles Hoaas. He went to various Sioux City schools and graduated from Bishop Heelan Catholic School. A lifelong Catholic, he continued to help priests at both the Cathedral and the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox churches in his spare time. He loved to help work at the Grecian dinners. He was also a church member in Lincoln, Nebraska at St. Peter’s Catholic Church.

   James worked at Gelita, formerly Kind & Knox Gelatin, for 35 years as a laborer. He served as Vice President for Union Local 1132 for a number of years. His love for his fellow workers was evident in everything he was proud of. He lived and believed in Union Strong. He was active every year grilling at his company picnic.

   James grew up in Sioux City, and moved to Whiting, Iowa when first married. After his divorce, he moved back to Sioux City and in retirement moved to Lincoln, Nebraska where his daughter Jennifer and his grandkids kept him busy for 10 years.

   James spent much of his retirement enjoying his grandkids and all of their activities. He got involved in everything. From selling donuts at scouts, to filling bags and envelopes for various volunteer work Jennifer was working on, to working a garden at a local elementary school. His proudest time was spent cutting out various projects for a local preschool teacher. He loved his work and talked about what he was working on every chance he got. He was so proud of the little ones learning their shapes and numbers and having a part of that as a retired senior. He also loved going to every event his grandkids Gabe and Nate had on their schedules.

   He was an avid gardener, loved to fish, and help with painting projects. He enjoyed every holiday spent with his family, and his love for Greek heritage & food was legendary.

   Survivors include his daughter, Jennifer Hoans-Pribil, her husband Greg and grandsons: Gabriel and Nathaniel Pribil, all of Lincoln, NE; his younger siblings: Rodney Hoaas of Sioux City; Karlie Mobley of Sioux City; and Michelle Greene of Papillion, NE. He also has 5 nieces, and 5 great-grand nephews and nieces.

   He was preceded in death by his parents: Anna and Charles; and his brother, Randy Haas.

   We will always remember Jim for his laughter, his great sense of humor, and his smile. You could see his enduring love and loyalty to his family. He was always the first person to help in whatever job you had and never quit until the work was done. We all have such great memories of James in our lives and will miss him every day. God Bless him and his final journey home. May his Memory be Eternal.