Jimmy Dale Leth, of rural Scotia, Nebraska passed away on October 1, 2026, at the age of 84.

Jimmy was born on August 30, 1942, in Scotia, Nebraska, the son of Jesse and Esther (Wegner) Dunkelburger. At the age of four, Jimmy was adopted by Harvey James and Fern Anita (Clement) Leth and spent his childhood on the Harvey Leth farm. He received his early education at Horace and graduated with the first graduating class of North Loup-Scotia High School in 1960.

Following a diagnosis of Perthes at the age of six, Jimmy battled on and worked through the pain until he was fifty when he received a new hip.

Jimmy and Ida Kelly were united in marriage on June 17, 1977, at Scotia, Nebraska. The couple was blessed with a son, Leroy who joined two half-sisters, Lisa and Kayla.

Jimmy’s career began at the Harvey Leth Farm and then at Baxter Feed Yards, where his dipping vats and corrals still stand to this day. He was instrumental in the construction of the Gibbon Packing Plant while working for Hayden Construction. He also enjoyed working on hay flats south of Bassett and for Lindsay Manufacturing. Following retirement Jimmy returned to the home place, near Scotia, to operate the family farm alongside his son, Leroy.

Jimmy loved the farm life, haying, feeding cows, horses, attending farm sales and gardening. As an avid hunter he mostly enjoyed running dogs for coon and coyote hunting.

Survivors include his wife of 49 years, Ida of Scotia; a son and daughter-in-law, Leroy and Joan Leth of Scotia; two daughters, Lisa Barnes of Council Bluffs, Iowa and Kayla Wagnitz of Hay Springs; ten grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; a brother Gary; and two sisters, Esther (Michael) Zera and Anita (Roy) Stam.

He was preceded in death by his biological and adoptive parents; siblings, Richard and Bernard Dunkelburger, Shirley Berst and infant sister, Mary Jane.

A private family inurnment will be held at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Scotia, Nebraska. Memorial gifts can be made in care of the family to be designated at a later date.

Cards may be sent to: Ida Leth, 80929 Ericson Scotia Avenue, Scotia, NE 68875.