Jim Ambler

James Leonard Ambler, 84, of Gothenburg, passed away on January 21, 2010 at Gothenburg, NE.
He was born on January 30, 1925 to Harlo and Elsie (Bryant) Ambler at Atlanta, NE. He graduated from Atlanta High School and received his BS from Kearney State College; and his MA from University of Northern Colorado. On May 22, 1949 he married Patricia Ibsen at Upland, NE. Jim and Pat resided in Gothenburg since 1963.
He was a member of Gothenburg Planning and Zoning Committee; Gothenburg Board of Adjustment; Gothenburg Memorial Hospital Board of Directors; Crestview Board; Senior Center Policy & Governing Boards; State American Legion Baseball Committee; Executive Secretary for the Southwest Conference for more that 25 years; 50 year member of the Methodist Church; member of the Asbury Sunday School Class; and a 60 year member of the Masonic Lodge. He was a recipient of the Gothenburg Honorary Pony Express Riders Award.
He was a teacher, coach, principal and athletic director for 41 years. He taught school in Holbrook, NE; Amarillo, TX; Naponee, NE; Broken Bow, NE; Alliance, NE; and the final 27 years in Gothenburg. He was interested in Gothenburg, kids, Gothenburg High School and its athletic events, fishing, gardening, and especially his grandkids.
James is survived by his loving spouse of 60 years, Pat, son - Lennie Ambler of Lexington, NE; daughters - Polly (Mark) Petersen of Las Cruces, NM, Penny (Dennis) Strand of Imperial, NE; sister - Beverly Reynolds of DeKalb, IL; sister-in-law - Maxine Gottula of Lincoln, NE; granddaughters - Beth (Kyle) Reynolds, Jeni Petersen, Morgan Strand, Molly Strand, Abby Ambler; grandsons - Jesse Ambler, Alex Strand.
He was preceded in death by his parents Harlo and Elsie Ambler, daughter, Peggy Jo Ambler, sister, June McGuire, brothers-in-law, Don Reynolds, Ken Gottula, and Frank McGuire.