James “Jim” D. Gerweck 77, of Falls City, passed away Friday, January 23, 2026, at Falls City Nursing & Rehabilitation Facility in Falls City, Nebraska. He was born on January 31, 1948, in Falls City, Nebraska to Vernon and Gladys (Veach) Gerweck. Jim received his schooling in Falls City and graduated from Falls City High School with the class of 1966. He then attended Nebraska Vocational Technical School at Milford, Nebraska and graduated in 1968 with an Associate of Applied Arts Degree in Building Construction Technology.
On June 17, 1978, Jim was united in marriage to Debra Keasling in Harvard, Nebraska. The couple made their home in Falls City where Jim had an electrical contracting business and alarm franchise. In1980, he purchased Barker Automotive Sales & Service and operated it as, The Automotive and Electric Center. In 1985, Jim was appointed as the Richardson County Civil Defense Director, later changed to Richardson County Emergency Management Agency. He devoted much time to storm watches, floods, and any other emergencies or disasters in the county. Jim coordinated many mock disaster training drills for responders and was the commander of the Southeast Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol and supervised training sessions for CAP members.
Jim contributed 45+ years to the Volunteer Ambulance Squad, was an EMT and a certified CPR instructor, and a member of the Volunteer Ambulance Squad Rescue Team. He served on the Falls City wage board, the board of public works, and the Municipal Energy Association of Nebraska board. Jim was Falls City’s representative to the Nebraska Municipal Power Pool and served on the Community Medical Center board, the volunteer ambulance squad board and the Nemaha Natural Resources Board of Directors – Subdistrict 10.
Jim was a licensed Ham Radio Operator and a member of the Amateur Radio Relay League. He was also a member of the Falls City and Hiawatha Amateur Radio Clubs, the Nebraska Association of Emergency Management, and a past member of the Falls City Jaycees, Lions Club and the Elks Club. He received the Chamber/DSA Award, Volunteer of the Year Award, and Robert J. Chab Human Services Award. In 2019, Jim received the Legion Post 102 Emergency Medical Technician Accommodation award. He always had the needs of others in his heart and was always willing to help someone. After Jim retired he and Deb did some traveling. His hobbies were bike riding, jet skiing, and riding around in his red convertible. In his younger days Jim loved to participate in go-kart races with his dad. They won numerous trophies. He had a pilot’s license and had part ownership in an airplane which he loved to fly.
Jim is survived by his loving wife Debra Gerweck of Falls City, brother Ron Gerweck and wife Susan of Eugene, OR; sisters: Shirley Travis of Lincoln, NE; Sandy Snider of Lincoln, NE; Karen Musilek of Grand Island, NE; many other nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, relatives, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers-in-law: John Snider, Ron Boehler, and Rick Zuck, and a great-niece Margaret Travis Kluver.
A Memorial Mass will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Monday, February 9, 2026, at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Falls City, Nebraska with Father James Meysenburg officiating. A rosary will be recited at 2 p.m. at the church prior to mass.
Inurnment will follow services at the Steele Cemetery in Falls City.
Memorial contributions may be given to the Sacred Heart Catholic School Fund, Falls City Rescue Squad, or to family’s choice.
Condolences can be shared online at www.hallfuneral.net
Services entrusted to Hall Funeral Home-2403 Harlan St-Falls City, NE 68355 (402) 245-3131