Rev. James J. Janovec, 88, of Grand Island, NE died Monday, April 27, 2026, at CHI Health – St. Francis in Grand Island, NE. Mass of Christian burial will be Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s Cathedral. The Most Rev. Joseph G. Hanefeldt will preside with Bishop Emeritus, Most Rev. Willaim J. Dendinger and Priests of the Diocese of Grand Island concelebrating, assisted by Deacon John Farlee. Interment will be in the St. Libory Catholic Cemetery with a 2 p.m. committal. Visitation will be Tuesday, May 5, 2026, from 5 – 7 p.m. at St. Mary’s Cathedral with a vigil service at 7 p.m. Memorials are suggested to Grand Island Central Catholic Scholarship Fund, St. Mary’s Cathedral, St. Libory Catholic Church or Catholic Relief Services. Your thoughts and prayers may be given at www.curanfuneralchapel.com under Fr. Janovec’s obituary. Curran Funeral Chapel is assisting the family.

Fr. James was born March 26, 1938 in Chapman, NE the son of Francis and Loretta (Evers) Janovec. He was Baptized and Confirmed at St. Libory Catholic Church in St. Libory, NE. The family farmed north of Chapman until his parents tragically died in an automobile accident in 1951. James then lived with his grandmother in Merrick Co. He attended District 29 in Merrick County, NE graduating from St. Mary’s Cathedral High School in Grand Island in 1956. He entered St. Thomas Seminary in Denver, CO in 1956 completing his BA, philosophy and theology degrees in 1964. He was ordained to the priesthood in St. Mary’s Cathedral in Grand Island, NE by Bishop John L. Paschang on May 21, 1964. Fr. James was assistant at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Grand Island, NE serving until 1969. He served as pastor at Bridgeport, with a mission in Broadwater. In 1973 he was pastor in Eddyville and the missions in Amherst, Oconto, and Callaway. In 1976 he was assigned pastor at Ainsworth with missions in Bassett and Wood Lake. In 1981 he was pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Scottsbluff. In 1989 he was pastor of Valentine with a mission in Nenzel. In 1998 he was pastor in Sutherland, Paxton, and Hershey. In 2003 he was assigned pastor in Wood River and Shelton. Fr. James celebrated his 50th jubilee of priesthood in 2014 at St. Mary’s parish in Wood River and retired the following year making his home in Grand Island. Fr. James considered it a privilege to work among the ranch and farm communities; they depended on the sky for their livelihood, reminding him daily of his childhood roots.

Fr James was active in the Men’s and Women’s Cursillo and was first Chaplain and Spiritual Director for TEC (Teens Encounter Christ) and also Spiritual Director for 20 years for the women’s group Magnificat.

Fr. James will be remembered by his sister, Judy Janovec of Ericson, NE and several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, sisters, JoAnn Masur and Joyce Janovec, and a brother, John Janovec.