James Boyd Nebergall    1923 - 2015

ST. GEORGE, Utah — James Boyd Nebergall, a man of many talents and accomplishments, passed away peacefully on Friday, Oct. 23, 2015. He was born Jan. 8, 1923, near Hesston, to J.M. Nebergall and Edith Grace Smith. He is preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife and his four siblings. He had a great passion for basketball, golfing, traveling, building and flying small aircraft.
In 1941, Coach Jack Gardner, recruited him to play basketball for the Kansas State Wildcats. At that time World War II was declared and the entire team enlisted in the Navy. Jim was assigned to the U.S.S. PCS 1461. Their function was to coordinate the landing craft between the transport ships and the beach. During this process Jim witnessed the flag raising at Iwo Jima.
After the war Jim attended Wichita State University where he majored in Physical Education and played basketball for the Shockers. He was one of the best long shots on the squad. While attending WSU, Jim met and married the beautiful Bettie Ruth Westerhaus in 1948. They have three daughters, Lynn Matthews (Tom), Lexie Engleman and Lillian Cross (Stephen). There are four grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.
Jim was appointed Head Coach and Social Science instructor at La Crosse High School in La Crosse. He taught all sports as well as Drivers Education and Health. As basketball coach, Jim was carried off the home court after his team defeated Scott City 37-36 and tied for 1st place in the WKEA League.
Jim started his 10th year of coaching basketball at Great Bend High School. In 1968, his team won the regional championship. He also took Great Bend to the state tournament in Lawrence, the first time since 1949. While coaching, Jim received his Master’s degree in Social Studies from Fort Hayes State University and served on the City Council where he won the respect of his peers.
Jim built a one seater airplane in his basement during the cold winter months. The finished airplane body was moved to the airport hangar where the wings were attached and the final assembly was done. The open cockpit airplane was christened “Fly Baby.”
Jim and Bettie sponsored high school senior trips to Europe through the AIFS (American Institute of Foreign Study) program. In 2005, Jim and Bettie moved to Sterling Court Assisted Care in St. George, Utah to be with family. In addition to receiving excellent care he made many good friends. With his jokes and sense of humor he brought joy and laughter to many of the residents and staff.
A Catholic memorial service will be held in St. George, Utah in early January of 2016. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Metcalf Mortuary, (435) 673-4221. Visit their website at www.metcalfmortuary.com for condolences.

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Oct. 27, 2015**