James H. Kohtz

James H. Kohtz, 77, of Lincoln NE, passed away on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at Bryan Medical Center West Campus in Lincoln, NE.

A memorial visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Monday, April 27, 2026 at Levander Funeral Home in Albion, NE. A private family inurnment will take place at a later time at Rose Hill Cemetery, Albion, NE.

In lieu of flower, memorials are suggested to the Boone County Foundation Fund.

Levander Funeral Home of Albion, NE is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family at: www.levanderfuneralhome.com.

James Harlan “Jim” Kohtz, son of Harlan Bruno and Margaret Minnie (Artwick) Kohtz, was born July 8, 1948, in Chicago, Illinois. He moved with his parents to Shelton, Nebraska, before the family settled in Albion in 1954. Jim attended Albion Public Schools and graduated from Albion High School in 1966. He went on to attend the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, where he proudly played in the marching band. After college, Jim followed his love of music and spent several years playing guitar professionally in a band.

On May 31, 1969, Jim married Ellen L. Miller in Lincoln, NE. They began their life together in Lincoln before returning to Albion, where Jim took over the family farming operation from his father. Farming wasn’t just his livelihood, it was a way of life he valued deeply. He continued farming until 2013, when he retired and passed the operation on to his son, Chris. After Ellen’s retirement in 2014, the two embraced traveling together, creating lasting memories and especially enjoying their visits to Zermatt, Switzerland.

Jim was a man who rarely sat still and found joy in a wide range of hobbies. He loved being on the water—fishing, boating, and water skiing, and treasured the time spent sharing those experiences with his wife and sons. He had a natural talent for building and flying radio-controlled airplanes, a hobby that reflected both his patience and curiosity. Jim also enjoyed riding motorcycles and had a deep appreciation for fine cars.

In 2021, Jim moved to Lincoln, where he continued to explore, travel, and enjoy life alongside his special friend and companion, Marie Hitz. He valued time spent with family and friends and will be remembered for his adventurous spirit, his love of the outdoors, and the quiet pride he took in his family.

Jim is survived by his three sons: Chris (Heather) Kohtz of Albion, NE; Jeff Kohtz of Albion, NE; and Phil (Sarah) Kohtz of Bennington, NE; two granddaughters, Lauren and Kathryn Kohtz of Lincoln, NE; his special friend and travel companion, Marie Hitz of Lincoln, NE; two sisters, Gayle (Dave) Primrose of Primrose, NE, and Cheryl (Charlie) Krohn of Albion, NE; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Ellen, in 2018; his parents, Harlan and Marge; his twin siblings in infancy, Scott and Sara Kohtz; his brother-in-law, James D. Miller and wife Sheryl; and his sister-in-law, Mary Wennerstrum.