James Melvin West is survived by his wife Margaret J. "Peg"; step-children Joseph (Michelle), John, and Jennifer Gartner; step-grandchildren Sabrina, Austin and McKayla; little dog Chelsea; cousins Larry, Marilyn and Bill Parker, Judy (Ron) Planck; many friends. He is prreceded in death by his parents Melvin Felix and Dorothy Lillian (Kroenung) West, and cousin Richard. Jim was an Army Captain and served in Vietnam in Intelligence and with the 101st Airborne. He was a graduate of UNO. Jim love America and saw most of her as an over the road trucker. He was a good man in all seasons: congenial, gentle, kind, generous, loyal, with special humor. All felt important in his company especially Peg who felt so cherished and loved. All for whom the bell tolls are diminished because of the special gift he was. Jim has fought the good fight, finished the race and kept the faith. All is well, safely rest, God is nigh. Memorial services will be held in May 2017 at Faith Westwood United Methodist Church. Inurnment at Mound Hope Cemetery.