James E. DuBé

James Eugene Dubé passed away peacefully on July 24, 2024, in Omaha, Nebraska, at the age of 87 with his family by his side. Born on November 10, 1936, in Denver, Colorado, Jim was known for his intelligence, generosity, strong moral compass and exceptional storytelling abilities.

Jim’s father, Aubrey Dubé, owned a small drugstore in La Jara, Colorado. Jim began helping out there when he was just 10 years old, and knew even then that he wanted to follow in his dad’s footsteps. 

Before becoming a pharmacist like his father, Jim served in the Army. He was stationed in Los Angeles, California where he oversaw a guided missile artillery battery. When talking about his service in later years, he would note that "not one Russian bomber got through on my watch." 

After maturing in the Army, Jim enrolled at Creighton University, where he completed a 5-year Bachelors of Pharmacy degree. He then spent the first 5 years of his professional career at a downtown Omaha drugstore, before joining the University of Nebraska Medical Center pharmacy staff in 1967. While working there full-time, he continued his education, earning a Doctorate of Pharmacy at UNMC. 

During his 34-year tenure at UNMC, he ascended to the role of Director of Pharmacy, spending the last 17 years in that capacity. He was in high demand as a specialist in chronic pain management and made presentations on that topic to health professionals in 43 states. 

After retiring from UNMC in 2001, he worked for five additional years as a medical liaison for a major pharmaceutical company, focusing on the safe prescription of opioid pain medications. He also served as the Director of the Nebraska Pain Relief Initiative during this time.

In the early years of his pharmacy career, Jim met his future wife Caroline through friends. He quickly introduced her to his sister Mary Alice and then took her to La Jara to meet his parents. They were married not too long after and they were each other’s best friends and confidants for 58 years.

Jim was a devout member of St. Leo's Catholic Church. His faith was a cornerstone of his life, providing him with strength and community, and he shared his good fortune with others generously.

Outside of his professional and spiritual life, Jim and his wife Caroline extensively traveled the world in their 50’s and 60’s, spending time in Ireland, China, Australia, New Zealand, Poland and many other countries along the way. He later relished time at Woodcliff Lake, where he enjoyed boating, swimming, kayaking, and spending time with his wife, family, and friends. He especially cherished moments with his grandchildren at any time and place.

Jim leaves behind his beloved wife, Caroline, and his children, Margaret, Catherine, and Michael as well as several grandchildren and great grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings Jack, Mary Alice, Michael, Dennis, Diane and Don. He was preceded in death by his parents, Aubrey and Alice.

James's contributions to his community, his field and his family are immeasurable. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

MASS of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, July 31st, at 10:30am, at St. Leo the Great Catholic Church. 

VISITATION with the family begins on Tuesday, July 30th, after 5:00pm, at the Pacific Street Chapel with a WAKE service at 7:00pm. 

Jim’s ashes will be interred separately at Omaha National Cemetery by the family at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Leo’s Catholic Church or to the Nebraska Pain Initiative via the Nebraska Hospice and Palliative Care Association.