| James T. “Jim” Wilford |

The Phonograph-Herald | January 7, 2026

James T. “Jim” Wilford, 81, of Greeley, died Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at CHI Health—St.

Francis in Grand Island. Memorial services will be held 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at the Chalk Hills Community Church in Scotia. Pastor Kevin Hausman will officiate.

Military honors will be conducted by Reuben Beck American Legion Post 150 of Scotia and the Offutt Air Force Base Funeral Honors Team. A private family burial was held on Friday, December 19, 2025 at the Greeley Cemetery in Greeley.

Memorials are suggested to the family for later designation.

Peters Funeral Home of St. Paul is assisting the Wilford family.

Jim was born on September 15, 1944, in Greeley, Colorado, the son of Laverna Kirk Wilford. He grew up and received his education in Colorado schools.

Jim served in the United States Air Force for twelve-plus years. He served from July 9, 1966 until February 13, 1975.

He attained the rank of T SGT and received a degree in diesel mechanics.

Jim was then married to his first wife, Vaetta.

He worked as a trucker and later ran his own auto body shop and later returned to trucking.

He married June D.

Steensen on January 15, 1999. They lived on an acreage southeast of Greeley. He was later employed as a road maintainer for Greeley County.

Jim was a former member of Charles E.

Martin American Legion Post 186 of Greeley.

He enjoyed mechanics and working on race cars.

Jim is survived by his wife, June of Greeley; five daughters, Crystal Wilford of Michigan, Lynette Wilford of Greeley, Michelle and Gary Wendtlandt of Scotia, and Teresa and John Klusaw; twelve grandchildren; several great- grandchildren; and a sister, Dianna Owens of Pueblo, Colorado.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Michael.

Condolences and memories by visiting www. petersfuneralhome. net.