James Robert Longman was born on June 22, 1925 in Shenandoah, Iowa the son of William H. and Ruth (McQuilkin) Longman. Jim entered into eternal peace on May 28, 2012 at the Elm Heights Care Center in Shenandoah, Iowa.

Jim's early years were spent in the Shenandoah community. He graduated as Valedictorian of his high school class in 1943. Following graduation he served his country as a solider in the United States Army from 1943-1946. He served overseas during WWII in France and England. Upon completion of his service, he continued his education by attending UNL School of Business Administration where he received Bachelors Degree and graduated with honors.

Jim had a lifelong career with Bankers Life of Nebraska. He started working for the company in 1950 as a Systems Analyst and oversaw the merger of their records to the computer system. He continued his career with the company until his retirement in 1987. The company is now called Ameritas.

He was involved in several organizations including Toastmasters, Boy Scouts of America, Lincoln Camera Club, was President of Wesleyan Arts Council, belonged to the Association for Systems Managements and was a member of the Plymouth Congregational Church in Lincoln. Some of his passions included photography, Nebraska Football, reading, music, and he was a patron of the arts.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his step-mother Lucille Longman who raised him from the age of 4 years old; brother William M. Longman and wife Eleanor; nephew James W. Longman; niece Kathryn Ann Herold; and brother-in-law Larry Herold.

Those left to honor his memory include his sister Ann Enevoldsen and husband Andrew; nephew Robert W. Longman and wife Ellen; nieces Carol Kirschenbaum and husband Peter, Christine R. Hansen and husband Dale and Mary Longman; grand nieces Betsy, Kitty and Sophie Longman, Molly Longman, Toni Murray and Caitlin Kirschenbaum; grand nephews Ben and George Longman and Andrew Kirschenbaum; other relatives and friends.