James Madison Drinkwalter was born June 23, 1924 in Valentine, NE and died January 5, 2014 at the Cherry County Hospital at the age of 89. A lifelong Cherry County resident, he grew up in the Kilgore area. Jim graduated from Valentine High School in 1943. He entered the United States Navy shortly after graduation and served in the Pacific Theater during WWII. He married Kathleen Hanna May 22, 1948. To this union were born three children, Sheila and twins, Jim and Jan. He was a rancher in the Goose Creek area where he and Kate lived until they retired to Valentine. He was involved in many organizations, including a 4-H leader, 50 year Master Mason, 60 year member of the American Legion, Sandhills Cattle Association, and a volunteer firefighter for the Purdum district. He belonged to the Valentine Presbyterian Church. He loved to hunt and fish and enjoyed sharing this love with others. He had a twinkle in his eye as he found a way to tease or play a prank. Preceded in death by parents Loren "Slim" and Esther (Coleman) Drinkwalter, brother George, sisters Irene Bernick and Lois Keim. Survived by his wife Kate of 65 years, children Sheila (Art) Nelson, Jim Drinkwalter, and Jan Drinwalter. Grandchildren Jana (Grant) Bitner, Katie Nelson, Maggie (Sid) Hackwith, Joe (Maggie) Drinkwalter, and Nicole Drinkwalter. Great-grandchildren Kayla, Hanna, Kaliyah, and Katelyn. Sisters Dorothy Sharp, Mary Lou Thornton, Delma (Dave) Fischer, Alma Lea (Phil) Keller, Betty (Mike) Boykin, Charlotte Edwards and Brother Bill (Gail) Drinkwalter, Sisters-in-law Marylouise Giles,and Isla Drinkwalter, Brother-in-law Bob Keim, and numerous nieces and nephews. Memorial Service to be held on Thursday January 9, 2014 at 2 o'clock at Valentine Presbyterian Church.