Jackson Baars
Jackson Lee Baars, 83, of Ogallala, Neb., passed away on March 25, 2023, at the Ogallala Community Hospital.
Jack was born on August 28, 1939, in Holyoke, Colo., to Lyle and Elsie (Steele) Baars. Growing up in Grainton, Neb., Jack attended school in Curtis, Neb., graduating from the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture in 1959.
Jack later entered the U.S. Army and served in Germany, where he specialized in heavy equipment.
Following his discharge in 1962, he returned home to Nebraska, where he met the love of his life, Joyce Leach, while building a mobile home park in Sutherland, Neb. The couple married on March 22, 1988, in Las Vegas, Nev. Following their nuptials, they made their home in Ogallala.
Jack was a visionary entrepreneur. They purchased McVay Sanitation and established one of the first Subtitle D landfills in Nebraska, the J Bar J Landfill, in 1986. With Joyce managing the books, Jack ran the landfill and was aggressive in developing the business.
Jack had a passion for fishing, tractors, and model trains. His love for trains and equipment led him to become an avid collector.
Boating and spending time at the lake were among his favorite pastimes. Jack and Joyce formed deep and meaningful friendships with their neighbors, who became family to them.
Though he never had children, Jack was a wonderful mentor and father figure. He will be sorely missed by many.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Roger Baars, in 2020.
Survivors include his wife, Joyce of Ogallala; nieces, nephews, and his family of the heart, the Baars, Leaches, Traubes, and Svobodas.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Wounded Warrior Project or a like charity in Jack’s memory.
Condolences may be shared at prairiehillsfuneralhome.com, where the services will be streamed live or view live-stream on methodistchurchogallala.com.
Memorial services will be held on Monday, April 3, 2023, at 10 a.m., at the First United Methodist Church in Ogallala, with Pastor Curt Magelky officiating.
Inurnment with military honors will be in the Fort McPherson National Cemetery at Maxwell at 2 p.m. CST.
Prairie Hills Funeral Home of Ogallala is in charge of arrangements.