James Robert O’Kief left this world on February 11, 2023 after 77 years. Jim was a hard man and cowboy; strong, disciplined, incredibly smart, and a tremendous rancher—and he was loved. Jim was born in Omaha on June 8, 1945 to William G. O’Kief and Alice M. (Zilmer) O’Kief. He grew up on the W.G. O’Kief Ranch in the Nebraska Sandhills with his parents and two older brothers, Jerry and John.
Jim attended grade school at the one-room Arabia school a few miles from the Ranch and later Campion Jesuit High School in Prairie du Chien, WI. He then attended the University of Nebraska, receiving a Bachelors in Economics, graduating in 1967.
Following his education, Jim returned to the Ranch, which he helped operate and expand as the O’Kief Brothers’ Ranch with his wife of 38 years, Rita Ervin O’Kief and his brother Jerry, Jerry’s wife Sharon and their four children. Jim and Rita were like second parents to Greg, Mary, Joe and John.
Jim ranched with Jerry for over 50 years as best friends. Jim was an excellent manager and operator. Together, he and his family increased O’Kief Brothers’ Ranch in size and scope, and received acknowledgements for their management and conservation efforts.
Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Will and Alice, brother John, brother Jerry and nephew Joe. He is survived by his wife Rita, sister-inlaw Sharon, nephew Greg (Jennay), niece Mary Dittrich (Bill) and nephew John (Stacey), along with multiple great-nieces, great-nephews and friends.
May Jim be blessed with eternal sleep in the Lord’s peace. Happy trails Jim. We love you.
Rosary prayer service was held on Thursday, February, 16 at St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Valentine, NE.
Irish Wake was held on Friday, February, 17 at the Peppermill in Valentine.
A Funeral Mass and Celebration of Life will be held in May (around the O’Kief Brothers’ Ranch branding); details to be announced later.
Memorials may be made to The Jim O’Kief Rural Scholarship Fund at Sandhills Cattle Association, 904 Hwy 20, Suite 1, Valentine, NE. 69201 (402-376-2310); or the Wood Lake Rural Fire Department.
Sandoz Chapel of the Pines in Valentine was entrusted with service arrangements.
