James C. Augustine passed away at his home in Gothenburg, NE, on October 16, 2026.

Jim or Augie, as he preferred, was born to Webster and Donna (Burke) Augustine on January 26, 1946, in Grand Island, NE.

He was raised in Grand Island, attended Wasmer, Gates, Barr Jr. High and graduated from GISH in 1964. He attended and graduated from Wentworth Military Academy Jr. College. He then attended Midland Lutheran College for two months and decided he'd rather get a job. That is when the draft caught up with him and he spent the next six years in the Navy, loving every minute of it.

On Dec. 25, 1993, he and the girl he had asked to marry in kindergarten, Nancy Bainbridge, were married. Having been born a week apart in the same hospital, they enjoyed 80 years of friendship and 33 years of marriage.

Along with Nancy, Augie is survived by his beautiful daughter, Allison (Jerry) Diaz of Albuquerque, NM, and his son James Jr. of Omaha, NE. He also feels blessed to have his son by love, J.D. Willey (Alyssa) of Missouri City, TX, and daughter by love, Kandace Davis of Gothenburg, NE. His pride and joy grandchildren, Ian Augustine and Madeline Diaz of Albuquerque, McKenzie Willey of Missouri City, TX, Hayden Willey of Dallas, TX, Jaiden Davis of Omaha, NE, and Jonathan Davis of Lincoln, NE.

Also surviving are his sister, Jolene Whitehead (Gary) of Yuma, CO, and brother and sister-in-law, Gordon (Rogene) Bainbridge of Grand Island.

Preceding him in death are his parents, and parents-in-law, J.D. Bainbridge, Louise Bainbridge Miner, and Max Miner.

Jim chose cremation and no services to be held.

Everyone who grew up with him or knew him has an Augie story to tell, it was his wish for them to share those stories and laugh.

Isaiah 40:31: But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Published by The Grand Island Independent on Oct. 23, 2026.