On November 21, 1935 Henry and Anna Buller brought their final child into the farming community around Henderson, NE. They named him Jimmie Lee, and he joined 3 older brothers and a sister in a childhood of farming, an upbringing which certainly shaped his character for the rest of his life. He grew up with the strong support of a Mennonite faith community. He was a proud Hampton Hawk in high school, but his greatest victory was when he met the future love of his life, Betty Mundt. They married in 1955, and the next 8 years included a stint in the army, the birth of a son and two daughters, Eric, Dawn and Lisa, and the start of a career in teaching in Omaha. He was given the chance to pioneer an elementary school level curriculum of arts and crafts in the Westside Community Schools. Jim thrived in this field and shaped the creative minds and hearts of hundreds of students for 35+ years.
Jim was always a devout Christian, joining the Lutheran church with Betty shortly after their marriage. He was a loving and supportive husband, proud father and a huge cheerleader for his twelve grandchildren and seventeen great grandchildren. He was a man, who friends, neighbors and strangers alike could count on for help at a moments notice. Although he retired in 1996 from teaching, his life continued to be of service to those around him, and to his Lord. He was as willing to swing a hammer or paintbrush, as he was to use his tenor voice in the choir or share a cup of coffee with a friend. Over the past few years, some health challenges entered Jim’s life, but with Betty’s help, he did what he could to be present for family and friends - to the very minute God called him home. He will be an enduring example of a life well lived to all he touched.
Survived by wife of 70 years, Betty; children: Eric Buller & Kim Vanderland, Dawn Buller-Kirke (Alan), Lisa Bailor (Brad); brother Louie Buller (Evelyn); sister-in-law Ruth LeBaron; 12 grandchildren & 17 great grandchildren; many other relatives and friends.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Suicide Prevention at 988lifeline.org OR Breast Cancer Research at bcrf.com
CELEBRATION OF JIMMIE'S LIFE: Tuesday, April 29, 2025 at 10:30 am, with FAMILY RECEIVING FRIENDS one hour prior to the service, all at Divine Shepherd Lutheran Church (15005 Q St.)
Braman Mortuary & Cremation Services
6505 S. 144th St. Omaha, NE 68137 / 402-895-3400