James Robert Sassman, age 78, of Osceola, Nebraska, passed away June 24, 2026 at the Annie Jeffrey Memorial County Hospital in Osceola.

James was born June 21, 1948 in Norfolk, Nebraska to Alvin Lester and Ruth M. (Jensen) Sassman. They lived in Norfolk before moving to Hastings where James attended and graduated from Hastings High School. He then attended Lutheran Seminary school in Minnesota where he met his wife. To this union two sons were born. He was ordained in 1973 from Lutheran Seminary school. They moved to Omaha for a short time when James received assignments in Davenport,  Verdon, North Platte and Glenville in Nebraska. He was also a fill in minister in Stromsburg. He retired as an ordained minister from the ELCA.

James then began working with Baldwin Filters in Kearney and lived in Juniata, before moving to Lincoln where he worked in janitorial services at SECC. After retiring he moved to the Good Samaritan Society in Osceola in June of 2024.

He enjoyed computers, collectibles and online auctions.

Survivors include his sons Timmothy and Simeon, both of Lincoln; one sister Marilyn Bolte of Lincoln and a host of other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Alvin and Ruth Sassman and one sister Karen (Ronald) Kraft.

Dubas Funeral Home of Osceola and Stromsburg has been entrusted with arrangements. Dubasfuneralhome.com