James M. Sanks

James M. Sanks, 60, of Kearney, passed away on Thursday, September 15, 2022 at his home in Kearney. James was born on September 7, 1962 in Lexington, NE to Lee and Delphine (Ayers) Sanks. He attended Kearney High School and graduated as the Valedictorian of his class in 1981. James then attended college at Harvard where he would earn a bachelor's degree in architecture history . With a grant he did post-grad studies in Germany and Austria. He then attended graduate school at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln and graduated with a degree in urban planning. James was planning to continue his studies for advanced degrees at Humboldt University of Berlin, Germany this fall. James worked for years in community planning organizations, where he could put his love for urban planning and spatial concepts to practical use. Most recently he worked with organizations in Dalton, GA and Chattanooga, TN. Upon returning to Kearney, James became a member of First Presbyterian Church in Kearney and greatly enjoyed singing in the choir. Recently, he has worked on-line as an employee for various companies. He enjoyed volunteer work with the Kearney Area Animal Shelter, where he enjoyed walking sheltered dogs. Surviving relatives include his father, Lee Sanks of Kearney; brothers, John Sanks of Sioux Falls, SD, Joseph Sanks of Canoa, Ecuador and Daniel Sanks of Kearney; nephews, Nathan Sanks and Chelsea Faulkner of New York City, NY and Phillip Sanks of Chicago, IL; numerous other extended family and friends. James was preceded in death by his mother, Delphine. A small service for friends and family will be on Thursday, September 22, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Kearney. Pastor Clint Cozier will officiate. Visitation will be 1 hour prior to services at the church on Thursday. Graveside services will be at 2:00 p.m. at the Robb Cemetery south of Lexington, NE. With his love of orphaned pets, we ask that any memorials be directed to the Kearney Area Animal Shelter. Please visit www.hlmkfuneral.com to leave a tribute or message of condolence. Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services in Kearney are in charge of arrangements.

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James M. Sanks

September 7, 1962 - September 15, 2022