LAUREL — James Wilton McCorkindale, 86, Laurel, died on Friday, April 25, 2025, at the Wakefield Health Care Center, Wakefield.

Private family services will be held at a later date. Cards may be sent to Jim’s farm near Laurel.

His cremated remains will be buried at the Laurel Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of the Wintz Funeral Home, Laurel.

James Wilton “Jim” McCorkindale was born Nov. 6, 1938, in Emerson, to Fay Wilton and Norma (Owens) McCorkindale. Jim grew up on a farm north of Laurel, learning to work the land and raising livestock with his father and brothers. He attended Rural District 52 Meadow Grove country school and then Laurel Public School, graduating in May 1956. Jim married Mary Rae McCoy in November 1960, and they had three daughters, Susie, Sandy and Sherri. Jim and Mary Rae lived and worked on their farm north of Laurel for many decades.

Jim loved farming and enjoyed his livestock more than anything. His favorite pastime was driving around the section by his home and watching the cattle grazing on the pastures. Jim also loved his farm cats and enjoyed feeding them twice a day, as well as petting them any chance he got. He was never afraid to put in long hours putting up hay or working the land and would always help a neighbor who needed a hand.

Jim is survived by his daughters and spouses, Sandy McCorkindale and Dave Warneke, Lincoln; Sherri (Jason) Korte, Clive, Iowa; four grandchildren, Mitch Lanser, Laurel; Hailey Clevenger, Quincy, Mass.; Sydney and Kaci Clevenger, Clive, Iowa.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Rae; his parents, Fay Wilton and Norma; brothers, Dick, John and Bob McCorkindale; daughter, Susie, and sonin- law, Randy Lanser.