James T. Wilford

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

Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, December 19, 2025, at the Greeley Cemetery in Greeley. Pastor Kevin Hausman will officiate. The family will hold a memorial service in early 2026 at Chalk Hills Community Church in Scotia.

Memorials are suggested to the family for later designation.

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

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

He served in the United States Air Force for more than 12 years, entering service on July 9, 1966, and being honorably discharged on February 13, 1975. During his military career, he attained the rank of Technical Sergeant and earned a degree in diesel mechanics.

Jim was first married to Vaetta. He worked as a truck driver, later owning and operating his own auto body shop, before returning to trucking. He married June D. Steensen on January 15, 1999. The couple lived on an acreage southeast of Greeley, where Jim was later employed as a road maintainer for the Greeley County.

He was a former member of Charles E. Martin American Legion Post No. 186 of Greeley.

Jim enjoyed mechanics and working on race cars.

Survivors include his wife, June of Greeley; five daughters, Crystal Wilford of Michigan, Lynette Wilford of Greeley, Michelle (Gary) Wendtlandt of Scotia, and Teresa (John) Klusaw; 12 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and one sister, Dianna Owens of Pueblo, Colorado.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Michael.