James A. "Jim" Berzina

A Renaissance Man



James “Jim” Alton Berzina passed peacefully from this life the morning of February 21st. He was surrounded and supported by his loving family and caregivers during the last days of his life. Jim was born and raised in Scottsbluff, Nebraska on February 27, 1947 to Albert “Bud” and Patsy “Pat” Berzina.



Jim received his formal education at Kearney State College. He married Marcia (Hadenfeldt) and had two sons, Kyle and Tyler. Jim taught industrial arts at Grand Island Senior High School and then Spelts-Schultz Lumber Company as an architectural estimator. In Omaha he taught at Bryan High School.



He married Diann (Timmerman) Berzina on December 31, 1997. The two enjoyed a memorable life together in Omaha. Their families blended with Diann’s son, Matt and daughter, Cara, becoming an integral part of his life. Jim and Diann were inseparable and made many lasting memories, traveling, dining, and golfing.



Jim enjoyed spending time with family, especially their eight grandchildren. He loved attending baseball, volleyball, and basketball games, along with special school events and orchestra concerts.



Jim was known for his ingenuity and creativity. He had the uncanny ability to translate his visions into a working product for all to see. As an inventor, he held working U.S. Patents for an assembly door strap, a router, and a paint can holder for ladders. He even designed water walkers for lake users. If he could envision it, Jim would build it.



Jim was a master craftsman who would design, build and carve countless items into magnificent art and treasured keepsakes. He not only enjoyed having quality time in his workshop, but he loved sharing these woodworking talents with others, especially every Christmas at Santa’s Workshop.



Jim had a unique love for antiques and old automobiles. During his early teaching days, he spent many summers traveling across the farms of Nebraska in search of rare antiques. In many ways, the show “American Pickers” owe their royalties to him, as he was one of the original antique picker pioneers. Jim also amassed quite a collection of old and rare books and was especially fond of his 1925 Model T and 1968 Ford Mustang convertible.



He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him. The family would like to thank all of his incredible care givers who cared and comforted him during his last months and appreciates all the prayers and support extended to us during this time.





Life is a song … sing it.

Life is a game … play it.

Life is a challenge … meet it.

Life is a dream … realize it.

Life is a sacrifice … offer it.

Life is love … enjoy it.

Life is a gift from God … cherish it.

By Sai Baba



“May the Love of God and Peace of the Lord Jesus Christ bless us and console us and wipe away every tear from our eyes.” Amen





Arrangements entrusted to

John A. Gentleman Mortuaries

Pacific Street Chapel

141515 Pacific Street

Omaha, NE 68154

402-391-1664