James "JD" Baltzell, 52 of Paxton, died Sept. 21, at the Ogallala Community Hospital.

JD was born Aug. 20, 1969, at Goodland, Kan., to Otis (Jim) and Billie (Morland) Baltzell. He attended school at Wauneta before graduating from Paxton High School with the Class of 1989.

JD married Lisa Still on March 16, 1991, at Paxton. JD worked for Titan Industries for several years before eventually taking a job at Nebraska Public Power District in warehouse inventory. He would later work at Claas before relocating to Lawrence, Neb., where he worked as a maintenance director at Kingswood Court Assisted Living-Caring Friends In Home Care.

JD was an ardent Husker fan and liked time outdoors. Whether it was a visit to the mountains, working alongside the many farmers he assisted over the years, or just mowing the grass, JD was in his element when he was outside.  He was a beloved husband, brother, uncle and father. He put family first and loved from the bottom of his heart.  

Of foundational importance in JD's life was his absolute dedication to the Paxton Volunteer Fire and Rescue Squad. He sacrificed countless hours and special occasions to serve, and he did it well. JD constantly signed up for continued training and loved to teach and mentor the team's younger members. With a distinct laugh and ornery smile, JD was a familiar and steady mainstay amid the department for more than 25 years, most of which he served as assistant chief. JD was also the Southwest Mutual Aid District President.

JD was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.

Survivors include his wife, Lisa of Paxton; son, Tanner of Paxton; sister, Michelle (Tim) Sorsen of Deweese; sister-in-law, Kendra (Travis) Jay of Paxton; mother-in-law, Pat Perlinger of Paxton; nieces and nephews, Alexandra Benson of Ord, Samantha Plock (fiance, Jordan Juranek) of Lawerence, Austin Plock of Shickley, T.J. Sorsen of Edgar, Melinda Wescoat (Matt) of Edgar, Amanda Moody (Kyle)of Glenvil, Taylor, and Dani Jay, Dakota and Cara Jay; aunt, Glenda (Doug) Young of Fremont; uncle, Charlie (Bonnie) Morland of North Platte; along with many other relatives and friends.

Memorials are suggested to the Paxton Volunteer Fire Department in JD's memory. Condolences may be shared at prairiehillsfuneralhome.com, where the service will be streamed live for those unable to attend.

A funeral Mass was at 10 a.m., Monday, Sept. 27, at St. Luke's Catholic Church in Ogallala with Fr. Bryan Ernest as Celebrant. Interment was in the Paxton Cemetery.

Visitation was from 1 until 4 p.m., Sunday at the Prairie Hills Funeral Home in Ogallala. The Rosary was recited at 6 p.m., Sunday at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Paxton.

Prairie Hills Funeral Home of Ogallala was in charge of arrangements.