James L. "Wally" Mounce

James LeRoy (Wally) Mounce passed away at Tabitha’s Journey House in Lincoln early on the morning of Friday, June 20, 2025.  He fell at his home in Nebraska City on Friday, January 31.  He was unable to reach his telephone because of a paralyzed right arm and leg.  His sister, Sherry Schrauth of Texas, tried to call to wish him a Happy Birthday.  Concerned because she could not reach him over a period of two days, she summoned help through the Nebraska City Police Department.  Thankfully Wally was rescued on Monday evening, February 3.

He was rushed to St. Mary’s Hospital in Nebraska City where it was determined that he should be moved to St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Lincoln.  With the exception of approximately 1 week at a care center in Nebraska City, he was hospitalized for the remainder of his life at St. Elizabeth’s in Lincoln, Veterans Hospital in Omaha, and Tabitha’s Journey House in Lincoln.  Along the way he has been tended by true angels of mercy.

Wally was born at Hamburg, Iowa, on February 2, 1949, to James George Mounce and Esther Arlene Irwin.  He grew up in Nebraska City, graduating from NCHS with the class of 1968.  He participated in various intramural sports during his high school years.  After graduation he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps.  Marine Cpl. James L. Mounce served in Viet Nam, after which he was stationed in California.  Upon being honorably discharged from the Marines he returned to Nebraska for a career with Burlington Northern Railroad, living in Omaha and Lincoln.

In about 2010 he moved to Nebraska City to be able to help his mother and younger brother.  Wally has always had a generous heart; he would give you the shirt off his back if he thought you needed it!  He was a member of Disabled American Veterans.

He was preceded in death by his parents and younger brother, Todd.  He is survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Sherry and Tom Schrauth; two nieces and spouses, Kimberly and John Bryant and Tanya and Ron Tanner; aunt, Marjorie Irwin; uncle and aunt, Glenn and Judy Irwin; two grand-nieces and -nephew; one great grand-nephew; cousins; many friends; and his three very faithful 4-legged “kids,” Snoopy, Woody and Lucy.

Memorials may be directed to Hearts United for Animals at Auburn, NE, or to Tabitha’s Journey House in Lincoln.

Graveside services with military honors are planned at Wyuka Cemetery in Nebraska City for July 19 at 11:00 a.m.

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