James Joseph Cecrle passed away Dec.24, 1999, at the Friend Manor at the age of 99 years, 7 months and 11 days. Jim was the son of Vaclav (James) and Barbara Naimon Cecrle. He was horn at the farm home near Tobias on May 13, 1900. He was one of twelve children; five dying in infancy. He attended a rural school in Saline County. He helped his father farm arid later farmed himself on a farm south of Milligan.

On Feb.16, 1932, he was married to Kate Kral at Beatrice. They farmed in Saline County until 1939, when they moved to Milligan, where Jim worked for Farmers Co-op. He delivered fuel for the Co-op until his retirement in 1962. In the early days of delivering fuel from the tank wagon he used a five gallon bucket to fill the barrels.

James and Kate celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 1982. Jim was a quiet and kind person who was always willing to help others. He especially loved to go fishing. Following Kate's passing on Nov.20, 1982, he lived alone until in January of 1993, when he entered the Friend Manor. He was crowned King of the Manor on Feb.14, 1994. He was loved by the manor residents and staff and all that knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents; four sisters, Marie Peterman, Blanche Kubicek, Agnes Kral, Annie Matejka and by his brother, Frank Cecrle.

Surviving are one sister, Leona Kassik of Milligan and several nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, Dec.28, 1999, from the Farmer & Son Funeral Home Kotas Chapel in Milligan with Rev. Brian Kottas officiating. Diane Zeleny accompanied Robert Kassik who sang "How Great Thou Art" and "In the Garden".

Casket bearers were Ray Baldwin, Dean Cecrle, Duane Cecrle, Randall Cecrle, Henry R. Kral and Ace Stahlnecker.

Interment was in the Atlanta Cemetery south and east of Milligan.